***3***THREE***Cent*** 1870 - 3 Cent Piece Copper Nickel #B50

Description

NICKEL THREE CENTS
1870 3CN
Coin Specifications
Category:
Nickel Three Cents (1865-1889)
Mint:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
1,335,000
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Composition:
Copper-Nickel
Weight:
1.9400g
Diameter:
17.9mm
Edge:
Plain
Minting of this coin type fell a little further in 1870, as these coins were struck only as needed to replace those redeemed at banks and Sub-Treasuries. There was as yet no authorization to re-issue those coins still fit for circulation, but this would change in 1871.
The typical 1870 three-cent piece is reasonably well struck, with only Liberty's lowest curls and the Roman III being subject to weak spots. Gems are rare.
The example illustrated shows the streaky toning so common to copper-nickel coins from incomplete mixing of the alloy. Areas of copper concentration get drawn out in the planchet rolling process, and these then tone more rapidly than the properly blended areas.
Several varieties are noted for this date, and the better ones are recognized
Rarer Date 1870 3 Cent Nickel with some damage on the reverse but a great set filler. R
ecently purchased from a large estate collection in which I bought the entirety of because of the originality and rarity of the coins which have not seen the light of day in over four decades! None of these coins have ever been sent to grading, and I refuse to mess with the grading services, so truth be told...Some of these coins are grand slams! No reserves and fast, free shipping as always!