What's so special about this 3 cent nickel?

It's low grade, and non a key, yet it's at $26.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/American-Th...82?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item1c2c9489be

 

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There are many keys in the series. While no where near the rarity of the 1884 and 1885s, the 1875 had a relatively small mintage of 228,000 pieces.

 

Agreed!!

 

It's at $29 now!

According to PCGS, a good is worth $17, and a VF-30 is worth $29. That coin is not a VF-30.

 

I would call it a nice F-15. But the year is difficult to find, so people will bid it up a bit.

 

IMO the 3 cent nickels are ugly.

 

Could it possibly be a variety? I don't know much about these, so maybe someone with more knowledge could chime in.

 

Maybe this one will change your mind. I personally consider the classic simplicity of the three cent nickels to be one of the nicest designs.

 

That looks great, and I meant that the worn ones are ugly.

 

The 3CN often had lower pressure strikes to preserve the dies. The pressure needed for CN coins was extremely hard on die metal at that time, so many 3C CN look more worn than actual. I prefer to go by the 3 Columns on the reverse, as the center of the columns is the high point of the reverse. This coins has fairly good lines in the columns, so I would put it in the VF range, but it is damaged. It seems that most of the bidding is done by 2 individuals who are working on a set. Not a buy IMO.