Three Cent Nickels (1865-1889) The Three Cent Nickels were produced from 1865 until 1889. The nickel alloy was used to replace the unpopular silver three cent coin that had disappeared from circulation due to hoarding before and during the Civil War. Both versions were designed by James Longacre. The three cent nickels were struck on planchets made with a composition of .750 copper and .250 nickel. At 17.9mm in diameter the coins are larger than their predecessor and were coined exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint facilities. The obverse features a portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a crown with her hair pulled back. The reverse displays the Roman numeral III encircled with a laurel wreath. The design remains one of the more popular obsolete denomination collectors seek.
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