The 1881 Proof Three Cent Nickel is a great type coin due to its relative affordability and higher mintage of 3,575 coins. Except for the finest gems, this coin is common throughout all grades. Beware, these poorly made proofs can be confused with business strike examples. Cameos bring a small premium with deep cameos being rare and coveted.
| coinage-type | Three cent nickel |
| desg | PR |
| designer | James B. Longacre |
| diameter | 17.9 |
| edge | Plain |
| material | 75% copper; 25% nickel |
| mintage | 3,575 |
| ngc-id | 2763 |
| obverse-description | A Romanesque Liberty is portrayed facing left with LIBERTY emblazoned on her crown. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appears on the periphery with the date at the bottom. |
| pcgs-link | 3777 |
| pcgs-number | 3777 |
| reverse-description | The roman numeral III is centered in the design surrounded by a large wreath tied with a bow at the bottom. This design is one of few American coins without wording on one of the sides. |
| weight-grams | 1.94 |
| year-display | 1865-1889 |