1881 5C MS(PCGS#3811)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3121

Grade

AU58

Price

1,586

Lot Description

The 1881 is the final date in a run of low mintage nickel five-cent issues that began in 1877. During the first two years of that era, 1877 and 1878, the Mint actually produced no circulation strike coins of this denomination. In 1879, a mere 25,900 circulation strikes were produced, followed by just 16,000 coins in 1880 and 68,800 pieces in 1881. The 1881 is understandably elusive in all grades, Choice AU survivors universally scarce, and rare with the premium quality possessed by this CAC-approved example. Original medium golden-gray surfaces are sharply defined overall with plenty of softly frosted luster in evidence.