NNP

1881 3C Liberty Head Three Cents, Judd-1669, Pollock-1870, R.7, PR64+ Red and Brown NGC. CAC. Design. Three cent nickel pattern featuring the head on the obverse similar to that used on the adopted Liberty nickel of 1883. The reverse has a Roman numeral III in the center, surrounded by a wreath of cotton and corn. Struck in copper with a plain edge. Commentary. The Charles Barber Liberty Head appears on one cent, three cent, and five cent patterns of 1881 that were issued in sets for collectors. Nickel and aluminum examples of each denomination were also issued and likely also sold in three-piece sets. PCGS has certified 17 submissions and NGC has certified just four, suggesting that PCGS has received a number of resubmissions. Physical Description. The obverse of this Choice proof has considerable orange mint color with light brown toning over the central device and a splash of blue in the lower right field. The reverse displays a lovely blend of faded orange mint color and light brown toning with delicate blue overtones. A highly appealing example. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 4032, realized $5581.25. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.