1865 THREE CENT NICKEL NGC MS 61 SLIGHTLY GREYING BRUSHED NICKEL SMOOTH AND GENERALLY MARK FREE WITH AN UNEVEN STRIKE AND A LIGHT CRUSTY PEWTER PATINA OVERLAID ON THE OBVERSE. 4 weak strike spots on the obverse appear to be across from each other. 'AT' in STATES, across from 'CA' in AMERICA; and 'T' in UNITED, has a void in design across from it. A super sharp peripheral reverse strike is probably the reason for the uneven corresponding strike. Coining using Nickel, which is very hard, was still an evolving process. Apparently from a mini hoard of similar 1865 3 Cent Nickels. The series, while short, can present a real challenge, with some very low mintages, including just 1,000 for the 1885. This great difficulty is manifested in the ubiquitous presence of Proof issues, as an easier option .