The 1865 nickel three-cent piece is the first 3¢ coin struck in a copper/nickel alloy. Issued the same year the Civil War ended and Lincoln was assassinated, this 1865 three-cent piece not only features a different alloy, but also features a new design - the Liberty Head. The nickel three-cent piece was issued for 25 years, from 1865-1889. Whether you are building a type or date set, you`ll want this 1865 three-cent piece - the first of the series.