1878 3-Cent Nickel PR Values

Greysheet & Red Book® Price Guide

Sponsor

shop eBay

Sponsor

shop US Coins and Jewelry

Sponsor

shop Whitman

Sponsor

shop CAC

Sponsor

shop David Lawrence Rare Coins

1878 3-Cent Nickel PR Values

Details

The 1878 provides a massive jump in mintage for the Proof Three Cent Nickel Series with 2,350 pieces struck. Common up to PR66, which is scarce. Anything finer would be considered rare. Collectors should not fear as examples with stunning color and strong strike can be located with some effort. Cameos bring a small, gradual premium with an increase in rarity and demand coming from the deep cameos.

Obverse: A Romanesque Liberty is portrayed facing left with LIBERTY emblazoned on her crown. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears on the periphery with the date at the bottom.

Reverse: The roman numeral III is centered in the design surrounded by a large wreath tied with a bow at the bottom. This design is one of few American coins without wording on one of the sides.

Basic Information

GSID:

2829

Coin Date:

1878

Denomination:

3cN / 3-Cent Nickel

Designation:

PR

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Mintage:

2,350

Coinage Type:

Three cent nickel

Coinage Years:

1865-1889

Composition:

75% copper; 25% nickel

Prefix:

Proof Only

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

1.94 gr

Weight:

0.0624 oz

Strike Type:

Proof

Diameter:

17.9 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

James B. Longacre

Obverse Lettering:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1878

Obverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Reverse Lettering:

III

Reverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Feedback:

Available on Greysheet Marketplace

View All

Dealer Directory

View All Dealers
Rarity7
FEATURED

Greysheet News

View All News
From Stellas to Standouts: Heritage's Star-Studded CSNS U.S. Coins Auction Features Elite Rarities
From Stellas to Standouts: Heritage's Star-Studded CSNS U.S. Coins Auction Features Elite Rarities
4/18/2026

All four gold stellas, 1933 Indian eagle and featured collections among highlights at April 29-May 2 event.

Red Book Podcast with John Feigenbaum and Jeff Garrett [Video]
Red Book Podcast with John Feigenbaum and Jeff Garrett [Video]
4/17/2026

You don't want to miss this conversation about Mega Red X & the 2027 Red Book

Stack's Bowers Galleries Shatters Records in Spring 2026 Showcase Auction
Stack's Bowers Galleries Shatters Records in Spring 2026 Showcase Auction
4/16/2026

Auction records were smashed during an incredible week of auctions hosted March 9-17, 2026 by preeminent rare coin auction firm, Stack's Bowers Galleries.

Map icon

DAVID LAWRENCE RARE COINS