Ron Guth:
The 1876 Three-Cent Nickel set a new record low for the series, with only 162,000 example struck for circulation and approximately 1,150 Proof struck for sale to collectors. The low mintage adds a small premium to the date compared to the preceding issues.
In general, this date comes well struck and the luster is usually frosty. In keeping with previous dates, the usual grade is MS64, with a healthy population of MS65s available for quality-minded collectors. At the top of the condition ladder are 4 MS66s.