I have posts mostly on another forum, ancient forum..But, today, I got this US 3 cent, 1887, in exchange for cheap ancient coin..In my opinion this is authentic coin..So, I want you to tell me your opinion.. 3 cent, 1887.. Diam- 17.9o mm weight- 1.95 gr th-1.1o mm
Certainly appears to be genuine to me. I am at work and away from my reference materials, but I seem to recall that is a rather tough date for a three cent nickel.
Don't mean to sound impolite. I am afraid that given the title of your thread some of our US experts may skim by your thread. There are lots of folks that post common pocket change and use similar titles. So I am going to call out a couple of the real experts here @C-B-D and @Paddy54 ....... See what they might think here. But I do believe that 1887 is one of the better dates for a three cent nickel.
No worries.... The few times I stuck my toe into the ancients waters, the ancients guys were just as helpful as they could be. I hope that your experience with the US experts is just as helpful.
Did a little editing with your photo of the obverse galba68 (hope you don't mind). These old eyes needed a larger image and it may be helpful to the experts.......
When I saw your post I thought you dug up a US Coin while detecting for ancients over there where you are As for your 1887 3c.. It isn't the rarest date but it certainly is a scarcer date. Numismedia lists 1887 in G4 as $282. The weight and diameter are basically where they should be. I'm a bit concerned about the reeding area on the 10/11 o'clock area on the obverse. All that being said, I'm no expert on the series. I have a couple for my type set but never really got into them.
Only 5,000 business strikes. Looks like only 3 other years with lower mintages. Definitely a tough date for 3 Cent nickels. I agree with furryfrog. The rim and dentricles in the 10/11 o'clock look not quite right to me.
Nope the coin is authentic just been in circulation a tad bit. The reeding on these small coins lol cent nickels and half dimes reading takes a big hit or giggle. Very common to see scalloped teeth go to square,or a mash of teeth together and the rest of the teeth are perfect. Notice around the rim at different degrees have a look at the teeth and changes. This I go vf 35 close to xf. Nice coin $200/225 ball park
Even If you’re not really into US coins, this is a cool one to have. I’d wager the majority of residents here in US have never seen or even heard of a 3 Cent coin. Great date!
It's not "probably genuine" it is! The color is very acceptable for a circulated 132 year old coin made of nickel copper.
Wear and minor damage makes sense. It is a 132 yr old coin. Just my tired aging eyes seeing things that made me think something else.
@Paddy54 I'm still nervous about this one. I'm naturally suspicious of a key date turning up in a random trade, so I'm starting from a position of skepticism. I agree that the rim/denticle irregularities aren't necessarily a red flag, because these coins can be very irregular. But look closely at the ribbon ends on the bottom of the reverse. They look to me like they're sinking into the fields. Same thing with the bridge of the nose -- yeah, it could be an overpolished die, but in an issue this rare, I'm not buying it. Uncertain providence, bargain price, telltale signs of design weakness -- I don't think this is a good one.