U.S. Nickel 3 Cent Coins (1876-1881)

Lot 1486
1876. NGC graded Proof 65. Especially white and flashy, but this one has a peppering of minute dark specks. The Mint really worked hard in 1876 to produce the finest looking Proofs to celebrate the 100th annivesary of the county. Here is one of the best to survive, with just 82 graded this high, and 23 graded higher by NGC.
Estimated Value $775-850.

Lot 1487
1877. PCGS graded Proof 66. Rare and always in demand, this proof only date is normally collected as part of the date set, keeping pressure on the price of these proofs. This is one of the finest to survive, with only 55 so graded by PCGS, and 5 pieces graded higher. Furthermore, this may be one of the 1877/6 overdates, as there is something near the left base of the last 7 in the date. Coppery wood grain toning is starting to form on both sides. A piece for the connoisseur.
Estimated Value $2,100-2,300.

Lot 1488
1877. NGC graded Proof 66. A splendid gem example of this proof only date, with a meager mintage of 510 coins. Frosty devices and excellent mirroring keep this one at the head of its grade category, and the surfaces are problem free. Light hazy toning on both sides, with a few very microscopic specks to show its age. One of 69 so graded by NGC, with just 7 graded higher. This one also appears to be the overdate, so examination recommended.
Estimated Value $2,100-2,300.

Lot 1489
1877. NGC graded Proof 66. One of the key dates to this series, only 500 were struck, and none were issued for circulation. Hence, demand by date collectors of the series must include a Proof example for the set to be complete. NGC has graded only 78 this high, with just 8 coins graded higher. Similar at PCGS, where they report 55 so graded, with 5 graded higher. While not the absolute finest known, this one is obviously in the top twenty percent of those known, probably much higher. This coin shows the 6 overdate under the last 7 in the date, and is free of spots or other problems. Lightly toned with gold hues on the obverse, and less so on the reverse. Flashy and desirable in every way. Don't expect to find a better coin of this date.
Estimated Value $2,100-2,300.

Lot 1490
1877. PCGS graded Proof 65. The key date to the three cent nickel series, with a meager reported mintage of 510 pieces. As noted in the Breen Encyclopedia, most of these were struck from lapped dies, which means the reverse leaves show less definition. Not so here, this is one of the early strikes with bold devices throughout. In fact, there is a hint of the 7/6 overdate seen with a glass. Frosty devices and well preserved, today with light tawny toning on both sides.
Estimated Value $1,500-1,750.

Lot 1491
1878. NGC graded Proof 65. Orders for proof coins rose dramatically in 1878, and the mintage increased to 2,350 pieces for this denomination. However, no business strikes were produced, keeping demand high from the numerous date collectors that need an example for their date sets. Faint gold toning on both sides, sharply impressed and free of problems or spots. The last 8 in the date is filled, so this must be a fairly early proof strike, as the 8 is later less filled as the dies were lapped and repolished. Gems are sought-after and we expect strong bidding on a coin this nice.
Estimated Value $565-600.

Lot 1492
1878. PCGS graded Proof 65. Only 2,350 minted in Proof, no business strikes were made as the United States economy continued in a brief recession during 1878. All mints were focused on churning out millions of the new Morgan silver dollars, and hence little attention was given to coining other denominations. Sparkling mirror fields and frosty devices throughout, with a whisper of tan color starting on the lower obverse.
Estimated Value $550-600.

Lot 1493
1878. PCGS graded Proof 65. A true gem for the connoisseur, this one has light bluish toning and deeply frosted devices. Examination with a glass notes microscopic flecks, but the surfaces are undiminished. Only 2,350 struck in proof. One of 242 so graded, with 84 higher.
Estimated Value $550-600.

Lot 1494
1878. NGC graded Proof 65. Another gem, this one with yellow-gold toning on the obverse, and a bit of hazy nickel color on the reverse. Boldly struck and well preserved.
Estimated Value $550-600.

Lot 1495
1879. PCGS graded Proof 65. Frosty devices and well struck. A splendid gem coin.
Estimated Value $425-450.

Lot 1496
1879. PCGS graded Proof 65. A flashy gem that boasts a mintage of 3,200, untoned and problem free.
Estimated Value $425-450.

Lot 1497
1879. NGC graded Proof 65. Tawny nickel toning throughout, with a single minute spot on Liberty's forecurl.
Estimated Value $425-450.

Lot 1498
1879. NGC graded Proof 65. Hazy toning on both sides, and well struck.
Estimated Value $425-450.

Lot 1499
1880. NGC graded Proof 66. Bright and untoned, this lovely example boasts frosty well struck devices and problem free fields. Only 23 graded higher by NGC, so don't wait for a better one.
Estimated Value $600-650.

Lot 1500
1880. PCGS graded Proof 65. A frosty, untoned gem.
Estimated Value $440-480.

Lot 1501
1880. PCGS graded Proof 65. Struck from lapped dies, with the lower ribbon in tatters as the dies were ground away. Nicely preserved and a perfect gem for the date collector.
Estimated Value $440-480.

Lot 1502
1880. NGC graded Proof 65. A flashy white gem that is well struck and very pleasing. Struck from a heavily lapped reverse die, with most of the ribbon missing. Proof mintage blossomed up to 3,955 this year, and this is one of the better coins to survive.
Estimated Value $440-480.

Lot 1503
1881. NGC graded Proof 66. Blazing white on the obverse, with just a hint of toning on the upper reverse rim. The last 1 in the date looks repunched, and the 8s may be filled. About as fresh as the day it was made.
Estimated Value $550-600.

Lot 1504
1881. NGC graded Proof 66. Lightly toned with the familiar wood grain appearance. More satiny in appearance, as the Mint ground out just 3,575 in proof this year, this amongst the better to survive.
Estimated Value $550-600.

Lot 1505
1881. PCGS graded Proof 65. A hint of golden toning starting to form, otherwise fresh and as struck.
Estimated Value $440-480.