1877 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65+ (PCGS). CAC.Delightful satin to semi-reflective surfaces exhibit subtle pale silver highlights to otherwise light gray surfaces. Sharply struck throughout with expectably strong eye appeal at the premium Gem grade level. Among the more eagerly sought nickel three-cent pieces in todays market, the 1877 is one of only three Proof-only issues in this series (the other two are the 1878 and 1886). Although many numismatic references provide a mintage of 900 coins for the Proof 1877, the actual mintage is unknown since it was not recorded by Mint personnel at the time. (This is actually the last year in which the Mint did not keep records on the number of Proof minor coins struck.) We suspect that the actual mintage for this issue is a bit more generous and likely on the order of 1,250 to 1,500 Proofs, in keeping with Q. David Bowers estimate for the Proof-only 1877 Shield nickel (A Guide Book of Shield and Liberty Head Nickels, 2006). In the absence of a circulation strike issue for the year, however, the 1877 remains the rarest date in this odd denominations series. Survivors are eagerly sought for both date and advanced type purposes, the present Gem sure to please the discerning numismatist.From the Maurice Snow Collection.
