The Civil War caused a crisis in U.S. currency, and coinage was hoarded for its Silver content, leaving small change scarce. This made it difficult to carry out day to day commerce. From the chaos, emerged odd denominations such as the Three Cent Nickel which circulated from 1865 to 1889. The unique coin got its name from the alloy used to produce it; 25 percent Nickel and 75 percent Copper. Designed by James B. Longacre, the classic Liberty head motif is featured on the obverse of the coin. On the reverse, a Roman numeral III is surrounded by a wreath made of laurel leaves. Though the Three Cent Nickel was widely circulated, it was short-lived because of the introduction of the Five Cent Nickel that we know today. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity.