United States 1872 3 cents KM-95

from the Mountain Groan Collection

now in the WSD Collection

from the Stonecat Collection

The three cent nickel superseded the three cent silver of 1851-73. It was quite popular when introduced in 1865 as it replaced the inconvenient three cent fractional currency issued during the Civil War but mintages dropped steadily during the 1870's until it was terminated entirely in 1889. This date is slightly scarce.

Recorded mintage: 862,000.

Specification: 1.94 g, copper-nickel, 17.9 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by James Longacre.

Catalog reference: KM 95.

Sources:

• Alexander, David T., Coin World Comprehensive Catalog & Encyclopedia of United States Coins, Sidney, OH: Amos Press, 1995.
• Breen, Walter H., Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U. S. and Colonial Coins, New York: Doubleday, 1987.
• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 65th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2011.

Link to:

• 1870 silver 3 cents
• 1870 3 cent nickel
• 1872 cent
• 1872-S half dime
• 1872-S quarter
• 1873 3 cent nickel
• Coins and currency dated 1872
• return to listings for the USA Three Cents, Nickel (1865-1889)