***Auction Highlight*** 1865 TOP POP! Three Cent Copper Nickel 3cn Graded pr67+ CAM By SEGS. HIGHLIGHT OF THE ENTIRE AUCTION - A TOP POP Tied with just 1 other coin for Finest known. A superb PROOF PR67+ Cameo example. A lovely specimen with superb champagne toned surfaces, razor sharp striking detail, and bold cameo contrast. Produced from 1865 through 1889, the nickel three-cent piece was initially intended as a replacement for its silver counterpart, examples of which were withdrawn from circulation in the East and Midwest after the suspension of specie payments early in the Civil War. As the usefulness of this denomination waned, circulation strike mintages fell off markedly beginning in the mid 1870s. The scarcest issues in that format are located near the end of this series, including the 1884 and 1885 with circulation strike mintages of just 1,700 and 1,000 pieces, respectively. For the Proofs, however, the scarcest issues are concentrated near the beginning of the nickel three-cent series, and none is rarer than the first year 1865. The mintage of this issue is unknown since it was not recorded by Mint personnel, however at least 500 pieces were struck for inclusion in the year's silver Proof sets, which were prepared in 100-set batches on February 25, March 10, 16, 20 and 24. Since this is a first year issue, additional Proof 1865 nickel three-cent pieces were undoubtedly struck for individual sale, but the number of coins involved was probably minimal. We are confident, therefore, that the 1865 has the lowest mintage of any Proof in this series. Scarce in an absolute sense, survivors are undeniably rare with the superior quality and eye appeal offered here. An outstanding coin that would do justice to the finest cabinet. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation