Offered here is an authentic 1873 Three-Cent Nickel in Very Fine (VF) condition, struck at the Philadelphia Mintduring the later years of this important and short-lived denomination. Minted from 1865–1889, the three-cent nickel was introduced after the Civil War to restore small-denomination coinage to circulation and remains a popular and historic U.S. type coin today.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features a refined portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet, surrounded by crisp lettering. The reverse displays the bold Roman numeral “III” framed by a beautifully detailed laurel wreath—one of the most distinctive and elegant designs in 19th-century U.S. coinage.

This Very Fine (VF) example shows strong detail in Liberty’s hair, coronet, and facial features, with only light, even wear on the high points. The Roman numeral III is sharp and fully formed, the wreath leaves show clear definition, and the date is bold and easily readable. The surfaces have a natural, appealing silver-gray patina, consistent with original copper-nickel alloy coins from this era.

Coin Highlights:

• Date: 1873

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)

• Denomination: Three-Cent Nickel (3¢)

• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

• Weight: 1.94 grams

• Diameter: 17.9 mm

• Designer: James B. Longacre

• Condition: Very Fine (VF) – sharp Liberty portrait, strong wreath detail, bold “III”

• Collectibility: Scarcer late-date issue with excellent mid-grade detail

VF-grade three-cent nickels are highly desirable, offering crisp detail without the premium associated with extremely high grades. The 1873 issue is especially appealing for collectors assembling a high-quality type set or building a complete date run of this distinctive and historically important denomination.