Numismatic

1888 3 Cent Nickel AU

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The late nineteenth century produced some of the most unusual denominations in American coinage, including the three-cent nickel. Minted in 1888 at the Philadelphia facility, this specific issue represents the twilight years of this fascinating series, which concluded just two years later. This coin survives in an impressive Almost Uncirculated state, preserving the fine details of its original engraving. On the obverse, the design features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty. Her hair is bound up, and she wears a classic coronet inscribed with her name. Surrounding this central image is the legend indicating the issuing nation, the United States of America, along with the date 1888 positioned at the bottom. The reverse of the coin is remarkably clean and direct, dominated by the Roman numeral III to represent its three-cent face value. This numeral is framed by a stylized wreath of laurel leaves. James Longacre designed both sides of this coin, leaving behind a legacy of unique utility and simple elegance from an era of transition in American currency.