1865 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65 (PCGS).；Offered is a warmly patinated, sandy-gold example of the key date 1865 Proof issue. A few streaks and swirls of bolder color are scattered about, the most prominent of which bisects the base of Libertys portrait. The devices are fully defined with a satin texture that contrasts somewhat with modestly reflective fields. 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, which number may be on target. This handsome Gem numbers among the finest that we have offered in recent sales.；From our (Stacks) 85th Annual ANA Convention Sale, August 1976, part of lot 704.
