1865 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-67 (NGC). First year of issue for the type, this beautiful specimen exhibits satiny devices and flashy fields. A full spectrum of rainbow pastel-colored iridescence adorns the obverse while the reverse is accented primarily in gold. Expertly preserved, as befits the grade, with eye appeal to spare - a conditionally rare example. Whereas early date circulation strikes in the nickel three-cent series are generally more common than their late-date counterparts, the opposite is true for Proofs. The first year 1865, in fact, is the rarest Proof of this denomination; the mintage is unknown because it was not recorded by Mint personnel. This new denomination was not released until well into the year 1865, by which time many minor Proof sets (cent and two-cent piece) had been sold and shipped. The <em>Guide Book</em> has long provided an estimate of 500+ coins struck, although John W. Dannreuther has taken slightly a more conservative stance with an approximate mintage of 400+ put forth in the 2023 volume in his <em>United States Proof Coins</em> series. In any case, this handsome Superb Gem is tied for finest certified in the non-Cameo category. PCGS# 3761. NGC ID: 275K. Combined PCGS and NGC Population: 7; none finer in this category.
