1865 Three Cent Piece RPD Historic Post-Civil War Base Metal Coin 515

Denomination: 3C

Composition: Nickel

Year: 1865

Strike Type: Business

Fineness: 0.95

Mint Location: Philadelphia

KM Number: 109

Country of Origin: United States

Up for auction/sale is a historic first-year 1865 Three Cent Nickel featuring the desirable Repunched Date (RPD) variety in Very Good (VG) condition.

Introduced in 1865 to help replace hoarded silver coins following the Civil War, the Three Cent Nickel was struck in a durable 75% copper, 25% nickel alloy. Due to the hardness of the planchets, working dies frequently failed or required re-engraving and re-punching, creating several celebrated date varieties. On this 1865 RPD example, secondary punching is visible on the digits of the date under magnification. With full, bold outlines and honest post-Civil War wear, this piece is an exciting variety pick for odd-denomination specialists, variety collectors, and 19th-century U.S. type set builders.