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1865 American 3 Cent Nickel
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
1865 American 3 Cent Nickel
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

1865 American 3 Cent Nickel

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.693679
Object Type Coin
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 1865
Medium metal (copper, nickel)
DimensionsOverall Diam 3/4 in x Wt 1 15/16 g (0 kg x 1.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionAn 1865 American 3 cent nickel coin minted in Philadelphia. On the front is the Liberty head facing left. She is wearing a headpiece that ties in the back and has shoulder length hair. On the back are Roman numerals III in the center surrounded by a vegetative wreath. Both sides are ringed with a corded rope motif along the rim.
Historical NoteAccording to the gifter, the coin was originally given to an African American man at the White House just before President Lincoln's assassination. The coin was given to the gifter's grandfather as a wedding present and had remained in his family since.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library and Museum. The Obama Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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