Shield Nickel (1866-1883)
Mint Mark Information

The end of the American Civil War in 1865 brought a collective sigh of relief from North to South. Yet, many challenges still faced the wounded nation. Great debates ensued on reconstruction and other vital matters.

Adding to the difficult mix was the monetary situation. Most gold and silver coinage did not circulate because of hoarding, continuing what had occurred throughout the Civil War years, thus compounding the country’s economic woes. Fractional currency (paper money worth less than one dollar) was universally scorned and not viewed as a viable solution to the coin shortage.

On June 30, 1865, Mint Director James Pollock proposed that a new five cent coin be made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Pollock believed the coin would successfully replace the five-cent fractional currency, but would fade from the scene once the silver half dime returned to circulation.

The nickel five cent coin became official on May 16, 1866, Chief Engraver James Longacre’s design featured a union shield similar to the two cent piece of 1864. The reverse was dominated by a “5” surrounded by a circle of 13 stars.

The Shield Nickel, as it came to be called, was the first United States nickel. The word “nickel” went on to become everyday parlance in American culture.

The Shield Nickel was retired in 1883, but its influence remains with us to this day.

Shield Nickel Obverse

Shield Nickel Reverse

This table summarizes mint mark information about the Shield Nickel:

Since every Shield Nickel came off the Philadelphia Mint coin presses, none of them bear a Mint Mark. Philadelphia did not use a Mint Mark until World War II, and then not again until 1980 and beyond.

The obverse and reverse of the Shield Nickel is pictured at right, courtesy of Goldberg Coins.

For a short-lived series, Shield Nickels have a surprising number of key dates that have a devoted following from coin collectors.

These key dates have a long record of price appreciation, far above most collectible United States coins. They are the 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, and 1881. Of this group, the largest mintage was less than 70,000

The links below will search eBay for certified examples of the rare Shield Nickel key dates. Do not expect to always find a good selection of these particular dates. There are just not that many to go around, which explains the steady price hikes over the years.

1877 Shield Nickel

1878 Shield Nickel

1879 Shield Nickel

1880 Shield Nickel

1881 Shield Nickel