Three Cent Piece - Weak Strike - Bold Clash Marks -

Yes... 1865 was the first time the Mint struck 75-25 Copper-Nickel. They had started with 88%-12% for the Flying Eagle cent (patterns 1856, circulation 1857-1858) and the Indian Head cent from 1859-1864.

It's a very hard alloy (still used in the Jefferson nickels - think about that next time you find a 50 or 60 year old one in circulation that you can still clearly read!).

The coin blank is almost as hard as the dies, hence the large # of die cracks. It took a lot of force - so if the coin didn't make the press, clash.

Nice example for sure!

....now that I'm off work let me expand. You really have a nice piece. It is a late die state. First the dentiiles are even all the way around the coin. Second there is nice definition with the vains of the leaves at 10:00 and 4:00. It appears the coin has nice natural luster. You have cornet beads wich are the first to go with circulation. No die cracks so the dies did not fail. Not sure when they pulled them. Gifford estimated 230 dies used for the 1865 series. The obverse die is soffter the reverse showing much more damage from the clashing. No rotation is eviedent, and it appears aligned correctly. I would guess no third party grader would give it the grade it deserves but I like it.