3c Nickels

Proposed in 1851, the three cent nickel was created out of the necessity for a small denomination coin, and also due to the decrease in postage rates. Before the Civil War, this coin was composed of silver. However, due to the shortage of silver and other metals, many of these coins, and ones like it in this era, were often hoarded by the American people. These hoardings of coins lead to the virtual disappearance of all metal money. As a response to this, the Treasury began producing fractional currency, which never became popular with the general public.

In 1864, John Kasson introduced a bill authorizing the striking of a new three cent nickel composed of copper and nickel. On March 3, 1865, the bill was passed by Congress after an all-night session, and found instant success with the public who preferred it over the fractional currency. The design for this new coin was created by Chief Engraver James Longacre. The new three cent nickel was larger than the original silver coin, and featured a Liberty head on the front and the Roman numeral three on the reverse. This coin was never meant for permanent circulation, but as a result of the hoarding, this coin continued to be produced until 1889 after which it was discontinued.