1888 3CN MS68 Certification #27964536, PCGS #3757

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

Ron Guth

The 1888 Three-Cent Nickel boasts the last of the "big" mintages from the 1880's, but at 36,501 pieces, the mintage is still tiny by any standard. This date compares favorably with the 1879, which has just a slightly higher mintage; both dates are priced nearly the same in all grades.

Numerous Gem examples exist of this date, with dozens available in MS65, MS66, and MS67. In MS68, the population drops down to a mere one -- a lovely PCGS MS68 (which ranks as the finest known of this date).

In general, this date comes well struck, and almost always shows all of the vertical lines in the Roman numeral III on the reverse. Picky collectors should select pieces with booming luster and as few carbon flecks as possible.

PCGS #

3757

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Edge

Plain

Diameter

17.90 millimeters

Weight

1.94 grams

Mintage

36500

Metal

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Pop Higher

Pop Lower

742

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	1500	R-4.8	9 / 23 TIE	9 / 23 TIE
All Grades	750	R-5.5	16 / 23 TIE	16 / 23 TIE
60 or Better	350	R-6.3	21 / 23	21 / 23

Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
65 or Better	1500
All Grades	750
60 or Better	350

Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
65 or Better	R-4.8
All Grades	R-5.5
60 or Better	R-6.3

Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	9 / 23 TIE
All Grades	16 / 23 TIE
60 or Better	21 / 23

Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	9 / 23 TIE
All Grades	16 / 23 TIE
60 or Better	21 / 23

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS68 PCGS grade	TDP Collection - Tompet38 Collection (PCGS Set Registry)
2	MS67+ PCGS grade	Legend Rare Coin Auctions 12/2019:135
2	MS67+ PCGS grade
2	MS67+ PCGS grade
2	MS67+ PCGS grade

#1 MS68 PCGS grade

TDP Collection - Tompet38 Collection (PCGS Set Registry)

#2 MS67+ PCGS grade

Legend Rare Coin Auctions 12/2019:135

#2 MS67+ PCGS grade