Forming a set of high-grade two-cent pieces will require time and patience. The greatest demand for two-cent pieces is on the part of the type collector, who desires but a single example of the 1864-1873 type to illustrate the denomination. For this purpose a relatively common issue such as 1864 Large Motto or 1865 will serve the purpose well, although there is something to be said for acquiring a scarcer issue, such as one dated from 1866 through 1871, for these cost only slightly more than the first two dates in the series.

Budget Recommendations: Build a set 1864-1872 in G-4 to VG-8 grade. The rare 1873 can either be omitted, or you can purchase one in impaired Proof grade.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: MS-60 to MS-64 coins are especially good values as are Proof-63 and Proof-64 issues. Caveat: Pick evenly toned or evenly brilliant coins. Avoid spotted, discolored, cleaned, etc. coins. Buying nice two-cent pieces will require some effort, but the reward is worth it.

Elite Recommendations: Take your choice of MS-65 or Proof-65 and build a matched set with red surfaces. Pick undipped, uncleaned coins with excellent aesthetic appeal. Get set for a lot of hard work, for such coins are few and far between.

Nickel Three-Cent Pieces (1865-1889)

In the United States series, nickel three-cent pieces, minted from 1865 through 1889, are unusual inasmuch as only one design was produced over a relatively long span of years. Mintage was continuous, although in the years 1877, 1878, and 1886 no specimens were struck for commerce, and examples were limited to Proofs made to be sold at a premium to collectors.

There are no great rarities in the nickel three-cent piece series, although the 1877 and 1878, are elusive. In addition to the regular date sequence, there is a variety which is included in the set, the 1887/6, which is an interesting example of an overdate in Proof grade (most overdates in other series are found among business strikes).