1865 3CN, DC

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Stunning, Rare, and Deeply Cameoed Proof 1865 Three Cent Nickel

1865 3CN PR66 Deep Cameo NGC. The removal of nickel from the Cent in 1864 threatened to reduce the Mint's requirements for that metal to levels that were unacceptable to large mine owners such as Joseph Wharton. When, during the final year of the Civil War, the federal government sought to retire the unpopular three cent fractional notes from circulation, Wharton and his supporters seized the opportunity to produce a Three Cent coin whose alloy included nickel. With the support of Representative John Adam Kasson, Wharton achieved his goal and Congress authorized the Three Cent Nickel on March 3, 1865.
Although many business strike issues posted miniscule mintages, the Three Cent Nickel is not an especially popular series among today's collectors. There are a few dates that are, however, important among type collectors, and one of these, the proof 1865, is a legitimately rare coin. As advanced first-year type collectors already know, the proof 1865 was produced to the extent of approximately 500 pieces. Apparently, the type did not immediately catch the eye of numismatists, as few coins were preserved at all grade levels.
This is simply the most appealing proof 1865 Three Cent Nickel that we have ever offered. The devices are heavily frosted with a sharp impression. The fields, on the other hand, display an unfathomable depth of reflectivity that contrasts boldly with the design elements. Both sides are untoned with nary a distracting blemish to report.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 275K, PCGS# 93761, Greysheet# 2792)

Weight: 1.94 grams

Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

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