coins \ Coin \ United States of America \ 3cN \ 3-Cent Nickels \ 1866
The 3 Cent Nickel, also known as the 3cN, was introduced in the United States in 1865 as a response to the need for a low-denomination coin during the Civil War. The coin, made of nickel, was minted from 1866 to 1889, featuring an obverse portrait of Liberty and a reverse with a large numeral "3" surrounded by a laurel wreath. It is notable for its small size and unique denomination, which was primarily used for transactions involving postal services. The 3 Cent Nickel reflects significant historical context, with its production tied to wartime economies and later changes in coinage legislation.