1866 Three-Cent Nickel Proof : A Collector’s Guide.

The 1866 Three-Cent Nickel Proof is a rare and highly sought-after collectible, representing the second year of the series and an early proof striking of this unique denomination.

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Obverse: Features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty with a coronet inscribed "LIBERTY," designed by James B. Longacre.

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Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, the proof version has a distinctively sharp strike and mirror-like fields.

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All 1866 Three-Cent Nickel Proofs were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use mintmarks at the time.

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The estimated mintage is approximately 725 pieces, making it one of the scarcer proof issues in the series.

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Deep mirror-like surfaces contrast with the frosted devices (cameo examples are rare but highly desirable).

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Due to its low mintage and limited survival, the 1866 Proof is highly collectible, especially in high grades with strong mirrors and cameo contrast.

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While no major varieties are known, some examples display stronger cameo contrast, which significantly increases value.

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