You are bidding on an 1865 Nickel Three Cent Piece with no problems!  The US Mint issued the nickel 3 Cent Coin using Copper Nickel because the silver 3 cent coins were being hoarded by the public.  The nickel three cent piece was issued from 1865 through 1889.  This auction has a very low opening bid of only $10.00 with no reserve. 

Applying the term "nickel" to a coin precedes the use of five-cent pieces made from nickel alloy. The term originally applied to the Indian Head Penny from 1859 to 1864 which was composed of copper-nickel. Throughout the Civil War these cents were referred to as "nickels" or "nicks".  When the three-cent nickel came onto the scene in 1865, they were the new "nickels" to the common person on the street. In 1866, the Shield Nickel hit the spotlight and forever changed the way Americans associated coins made from nickel alloy with a particular denomination.

Local calls placed from public phones in the United States cost a nickel in most places until the early 1950's, when the charge was doubled to a dime (10 cents).  However, in some places” notably in New Orleans, but mostly in scattered rural areas” the price for such calls remained at a nickel as late as the mid - 1970's.  This gave rise to the phrase "It's your nickel" in conversations to refer to the prerogative of the person who paid for the phone call to steer the conversation.  Also, the cost of a ride on public transit vehicles” such as a bus or subway” stood at a nickel during the same period that a pay-phone call carried that charge.

Shipping is $2.00 but if buyer has won another of my auctions the same day, then shipping can be combined (only 30 cents for each additional auction won)! Thanks for Looking and good Luck bidding on this 159 year old Three Cent Piece!!