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1869 Proof

Two & Three Cents · Three-Cent Nickels · 1865–1889
Key date Proof
Weight1.94 g
Diameter17.9 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeProof
Mintage 600
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-936

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About this coinHistory

Mint records show approximately 600 proof three-cent nickels for 1869, identical to the 1868 figure. The proof is collected within the annual sequence and is comparable to other late-1860s proofs in availability and pricing. Annual proof sets for the year were shipping out during the same months that Jay Gould and James Fisk's gold corner was building toward the Black Friday panic of September 24.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1869 Proof Three-Cent Nickels were minted?
600 were struck.
What is a 1869 Proof Three-Cent Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 1.94 g.
What is the melt value of a 1869 Proof Three-Cent Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1869 Proof Three-Cent Nickel a key date?
Yes — the 1869 Proof Three-Cent Nickel is considered a key date in the Three-Cent Nickels series and commands a strong premium.