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1872 Proof

Two & Three Cents · Three-Cent Nickels · 1865–1889
Key date Proof
Weight1.94 g
Diameter17.9 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeProof
Mintage 950
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-954

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About this coinHistory

Mint records show approximately 950 proof three-cent nickels for 1872, holding steady with 1871. The proof is available through the collector market and is typically purchased alongside the circulation strike of the same year. Sets shipped to subscribers during the year that the Credit Mobilier scandal broke and Grant won his second term.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1872 Proof Three-Cent Nickels were minted?
950 were struck.
What is a 1872 Proof Three-Cent Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 1.94 g.
What is the melt value of a 1872 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 1872 Proof Three-Cent Nickel a key date?
Yes — the 1872 Proof Three-Cent Nickel is considered a key date in the Three-Cent Nickels series and commands a strong premium.