Following the U.S. Civil War an immediate shortage of silver, primarily from hoarding of other small denomination coins, caused the need for a five cent coin to be produced. Designed by James B. Longacre the Shield Nickel was composed of 75% nickel and 25% copper, is 20.5mm in diameter and weighs 5 grams. Initially criticized for its Star and Bars motif on the reverse the Shield Nickel was redesigned slightly those minted from 1868 through 1883 dispensed with the Bars. Die cracks are common because of the coins compound and don't generally command a higher price as with other varietal coins.
Listing of available Shield Nickels are below by year from 1866-1883. The Shield Nickel is sought after by collectors and investors alike. I don't know of any collector who wouldn't want to own at least one.
Shield 1866-1883 Articles
The 1866 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1867 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1868 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1869 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1870 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1871 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1872 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1873 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1874 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1875 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1876 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1879 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1880 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1881 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1882 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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The 1883 Shield Nickel is a very collectible coin and has a place in every coin lovers collection. Add one to your collection today!
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