🔍 Value Analysis: 1872 Copper Nickel Three-Cent Piece
The coin you have is a 1872 Three-Cent Nickel (3cn) graded by ANACS as VF-25 Details – Corroded.
The value is significantly impacted by two factors:
- The grade of VF-25 (Very Fine), which is a desirable circulated grade.
- The “Details” designation with the qualifier “Corroded”, which means the coin has a surface issue that prevents it from receiving a straight numerical grade.
💰 Value Estimate
Based on current market trends and comparable sales for “Details” graded Three-Cent Nickels from the 1870s:
- Average Circulated 1872 3CN (Problem-Free VF-20 to VF-30): Approximately $45 – $75.
- Your Coin (VF-25 Details – Corroded): Due to the “Corroded” detail, the market value is a discount off a problem-free coin.
- Estimated Retail Value: $25 – $50 (depending on the severity of the corrosion and the specific buyer/market).
Key Factors Influencing Price:
- “Details” Grade: The corrosion is a permanent flaw that reduces the coin’s collectible value compared to a coin with the same numerical grade (VF-25) that is problem-free.
- VF-25 Grade: Despite the flaw, the coin still retains a significant amount of detail, which is what the VF-25 indicates (e.g., the word LIBERTY on the headband is mostly clear).
- Rarity: The 1872 Three-Cent Nickel has a relatively low mintage of 862,000, which contributes to its value even in lower grades.
To find the exact selling price, you would need to look at recent completed auctions for similarly graded “details” 1872 Three-Cent Nickels.
