Representative series imageThree Cent NickelReference art may not show this exact date or mint.
Three Cent Nickel
U.S. collector price guide

1886 Three Cent Nickel

Denomination
Three Cent
Mint
P (Philadelphia)
Composition
75% copper 25% nickel
Mintage
4,290
Strike
Proof
Guide value by grade$250–$3,500
Reliable4 priced grades

This page has imported grade-level guide data and is ready for normal collector comparison.

Updated 2026-06-09published-guideHow the guide works →
Grade Ladder
$250$603$1.5k$3.5kPR-60PR-63PR-65PR-66
Tab, hover, or tap a grade to see the price jump
Price by Grade
GradeQualityEst. Value
PR-60Proof
$250
PR-63Choice Proof
$475
PR-65Gem Proof
$1,500
PR-66PR-66
$3,500

Estimates from published guides and recent sold data. Grade is everything. Verify before you buy.

Advertisement
What to do next
Check the gradeValue changes by condition. Compare the grade ladder before using the headline estimate.
Watch melt valueFor silver or gold issues, melt value can become the practical floor.
Verify before buyingUse methodology, source confidence, and recent comps before making purchase decisions.
Common Questions

What is the 1886 Three Cent Nickel worth?

Current guide estimates on this page range from $250 to $3,500 depending on grade.

Why does grade matter for the 1886 Three Cent Nickel?

Coin value can change sharply by condition. Use the grade ladder and price-by-grade table before relying on any single headline estimate.

Does melt value affect the 1886 Three Cent Nickel?

This page does not show a meaningful melt floor for this coin, but silver and gold issues can have metal value that affects lower-grade outcomes.

Survivor's LedgerNo. cs_us_three-cent_three-cent-nickel_1886_p_none
140years survived since minting
Minted
1886
Denomination
Three Cent
Composition
75% copper 25% nickel
Mintage
4,290

Deeper history for the Three Cent Nickel series is still being researched. Know this one? Help us write it →

Advertisement
Guide record
Grade and metal context

Use the grade ladder, pricing confidence, and melt floor together before making a buying decision.

Read methodology →
Know this coin better than we do?

Better price data, a variety we missed, or a mintage correction? Collectors make this guide accurate.

📝 Submit a CorrectionReport an issue