Shield Nickel Values
How Much Shield Nickels are Worth: Shield Nickel Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $65 | $90 | $100 | $180 | $275 | $439 | $602 | $978 | $1,993.00 | $4,525.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | Rays | -- | $58 | $110 | $150 | $230 | $278 | $559 | $808 | $1,620.00 | $3,930.00 | $8,609.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | Without Rays | -- | $35 | $45 | $50 | $75 | $117 | $184 | $276 | $364 | $824 | $1,993.00 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $30 | $40 | $60 | $75 | $117 | $187 | $285 | $390 | $763 | $1,825.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $35 | $40 | $57 | $80 | $117 | $179 | $281 | $440 | $830 | $1,998.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $40 | $55 | $85 | $119 | $166 | $280 | $455 | $753 | $1,669.00 | $2,463.00 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $135 | $182 | $262 | $356 | $448 | $689 | $990 | $1,688.00 | $2,365.00 | $4,385.00 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $68 | $104 | $117 | $133 | $161 | $231 | $341 | $648 | $1,315.00 | $1,923.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | -- | $53 | $67 | $80 | $109 | $180 | $332 | $700 | $1,030.00 | $1,743.00 | $4,388.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Large/Small 3 | -- | $750 | $1,250.00 | $2,000.00 | $5,550.00 | $7,700.00 | $14,600.00 | $16,925.00 | $18,950.00 | $22,550.00 | -- |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | -- | $73 | $100 | $151 | $207 | $273 | $493 | $1,033.00 | $1,439.00 | $2,343.00 | $4,825.00 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $60 | $86 | $107 | $130 | $156 | $259 | $338 | $663 | $1,093.00 | $2,785.00 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $80 | $109 | $146 | $204 | $260 | $377 | $567 | $813 | $1,677.00 | $3,430.00 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $77 | $112 | $146 | $195 | $229 | $311 | $382 | $482 | $1,213.00 | $2,380.00 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $718 | $784 | $890 | $1,595.00 | $1,983.00 | $2,930.00 | $3,760.00 | $4,175.00 | $4,825.00 | $7,080.00 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $3,110.00 | $3,745.00 | $4,920.00 | $7,825.00 | $10,850.00 | $18,250.00 | $34,000.00 | $47,000.00 | $65,825.00 | $114,250.00 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $378 | $436 | $520 | $664 | $808 | $1,173.00 | $1,535.00 | $2,144.00 | $3,430.00 | $4,605.00 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $35 | $40 | $50 | $85 | $117 | $179 | $267 | $356 | $560 | $988 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | Shield | -- | $43 | $48 | $55 | $86 | $130 | $179 | $267 | $356 | $560 | $988 |
| 1883/2 | (None) Phil | Shield | -- | $402 | $584 | $739 | $880 | $1,085.00 | $1,718.00 | $2,410.00 | $2,979.00 | $6,025.00 | $10,175.00 |
History of the Shield Nickel
Produced from 1866 to 1883, the Shield Nickel was the first U.S. five-cent coin struck in a copper-nickel alloy instead of silver. This coin was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, in 1866. Longacre based his design on the Two Cent Piece, which he also designed in 1864.
The Shield Nickel features a large shield on the obverse representing strength and unity of the states, with arrows behind symbolizing defense, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The reverse shows a large “5” within a circle of stars. Originally, rays appeared between the stars but were removed in 1867 due to the difficulties posed by the hard copper-nickel alloy used (75% copper, 25% nickel).
The Shield Nickel helped stabilize small-denomination coinage after the Civil War. The design faced production challenges due to the alloy hardness, causing frequent die cracking. The series ended in 1883 when the Liberty Head Nickel replaced it.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1866 First-Year Issue With Rays (“Rays between stars”): Lower mintage and frequent die cracks make this variety harder to find in high grades.
- 1866 Repunched Date (“Double-struck date”): A variety where the date was struck more than once, creating a visible doubled effect particularly pronounced under magnification.
- 1867 With Rays (“Original design with rays”): Second year of production with rays between stars, mintage of about 2 million; scarcer in higher Mint State grades but common in circulated condition.
- 1867 No Rays (“Rays removed mid-year”): Most common 1867 variety, with rays removed due to striking difficulties; mintage over 28 million.
- 1867/67 Repunched Date (“Double-struck date variety”): A notable repunched date showing secondary digits visible under magnification, favored by advanced collectors.
- 1873 Closed 3 (“Digit 3 in date closed at top”): A design variety affecting the numeral 3 in the date, collectible for its distinctiveness among 1873 nickels.
- 1878 Proof (“Mint frost appearance”): Another proof-only year, these coins appear in a frosty mint state, often highly lustrous and sought by proof collectors.
- 1880: Scarce in higher grades and commands significant premiums in well-preserved condition.
- 1883 3 Over 2 (“Overdate variety”): Highly collectible overdate where the digit “3” is struck over a “2” in the date, prized for rarity and uniqueness.
Types of Collections
- Basic Date Set: Collecting one example of each year from 1866 to 1883.
- Proof Set: Collectors focus on proof coins from rare years, such as 1867, 1877, and 1878, for display and investment.
- Varieties Collection: Collectors seek Repunched Date, Closed 3, Open 3, and 3 Over 2 varieties for specialization.
- High Grade Collection: Focus on obtaining Shield Nickels in Mint State grades, especially for rare dates and proofs.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Shield Nickels can be a challenging series because many coins show issues like weak strikes, heavy wear, or surface problems, but new collectors can still start with a few common dates in modest circulated grades. Focus on problem-free coins from reputable coin dealers or established online marketplaces, and use them to learn basics such as reading dates, identifying wear patterns, and spotting obvious damage or harsh cleaning. Store your coins in acid-free, archival-quality flips or other inert holders and keep them in a stable, cool, dry environment.
Advanced Collecting
For advanced collectors, Shield Nickels offer a complex yet attainable challenge. Pursuing high-grade examples and proof issues often requires patience, careful budgeting, and close attention to details such as repunched dates, overdates, and notable die varieties. High-grade coins are scarce and can command high premiums because of strike characteristics, original mintages, and survival rates. Authentication and third-party grading are essential for high-value pieces to guard against counterfeits or altered surfaces. Preserve high-value coins in certified holders and protect their copper-nickel surfaces with proper temperature and humidity control to help maintain their appearance over time.
Investment Potential
Shield Nickels and proof-only years often show consistent demand because of their limited mintages and historical context, though prices can fluctuate with overall numismatic market trends. The 1867 Type 1 Proof and 1880 Shield Nickel, especially in high grades, are strong investment candidates. Many coins are certified by grading services like PCGS and NGC, adding credibility and liquidity to the market.