shopper approved
    2226.02
    25.53
    25.01
    0.23
    925.71
    17.41
    1056.72
    36.05

    1885 Three-Cent Nickel

    Collectors love unique coins, and they really don’t get more unique than the 1885 Three-Cent Nickel. This coin is unique not because of its design, but due to the fact that it has not been produced for more than a century and features a face value most people never even knew existed. Being that the available quantity of 1885 Three-Cent Nickels is constantly diminishing, there has never been a better time than now to get your hands on one.

    On the coin’s obverse, the central part of the face is dominated by the raised image of Lady Liberty. When you take into consideration the crude technology of the time, the amount of detail on this image is truly remarkable. Surrounding the central image is a raised inscription which reads “United States of America.” Beneath the central image is a raised inscription marking the 1885 year of minting. Something worth noting is the fact that, on both the obverse and reverse sides, the outer edges of the coin are reeded.

    As for the reverse side of the coin, you really do not have as much to talk about. In the center is the 3-cent face value indication. What makes the face value indication interesting is the fact that it is depicted with Roman numerals. Partially surrounding the face value is the image of a wreath.

    Grading the 1885 Three-Cent Nickel

    For collectors, the condition of a coin means absolutely everything. When it comes to coins as old as the 1885 Three-Cent Nickel, the condition becomes even more important. As such, collectors will only seek out those pieces that have been graded and certified as being authentic. Below is a listing of the different coin grades as well as what those grades mean for the condition of the 1885 Three-Cent Nickel.

    Uncirculated: If an 1885 Three-Cent Nickel is determined as being Uncirculated, this means that the coin never spent any time in circulation. Because of this, the condition of the coin today is exactly as it was way back in 1885. The color of the coin might have faded a bit due to age, but that is the only drawback you will notice.

    Extremely Fine: A coin determined to be of Extremely Fine grade is one that probably never spent any time exchanging hands on the open market, but does feature a flaw or two. Though these flaws may not be able to be seen with the naked eye, they do exist and will be noticed during the grading process.

    Fine: Fine is the grade given to coins that have been heavily circulated, but not so heavily damaged. You will notice plenty of light scratching and smoothing on the coin’s surfaces, but all of the raised imagery will still be preserved.

    Good: Good is the grade given to coins that have been extremely heavily circulated and damaged. Thanks to the pieces having exchanged hands thousands and thousands of times throughout the years, you will notice some significant smoothing. Despite this, these coins are still sought after by collectors.

    Pricing the 1885 Three-Cent Nickel

    When it comes to determining a price for the 1885 Three-Cent Nickel, you really do not need to look much further than its grade/condition. Naturally, those 1885 Three-Cent Nickels that have been well-preserved are going to fetch a higher price than those that have been heavily damaged. Below is a chart aimed at giving you a better idea as to what you might be charged for an 1885 Three-Cent Nickel given its grade.

    1885 Three-Cent Nickel

    DATE GOOD FINE EXTREMELY FINE UNCIRCULATED
    1885 $410 N/A $700 $800
    Source: Red Book

    All Market Updates are provided as a third party analysis and do not necessarily reflect the explicit views of JM Bullion Inc. and should not be construed as financial advice.