Numismatic

1888 3 Cent Nickel XF

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The late nineteenth century produced some of the most distinctive denominations in American coinage, including the three-cent nickel. Minted in 1888 at the Philadelphia facility, this particular coin survives in Extra Fine condition, offering a remarkably clear look at a design that has long since vanished from pocket change. Created by James Longacre, the obverse of the coin presents a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty. She wears a classic coronet inscribed with her name, while the surrounding legend reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the year 1888 anchored at the bottom. The design is framed by a simple, clean border that draws the eye directly to the central portrait. On the reverse, the coin displays its denomination using bold Roman numerals. The Roman numeral III is nestled inside a stylized wreath, creating a balanced and elegant composition. This combination of classical imagery and unique denomination makes the 1888 three-cent nickel a fascinating object of study for anyone curious about the evolution of United States currency.