Product Details

The Shield Nickel, minted from 1866 to 1883, holds a distinguished place in American numismatic history as the first five-cent piece struck in a copper-nickel composition. Collectors are drawn to this series for its historical significance, which emerged in the aftermath of the Civil War during a period of monetary reform, as well as the relative challenge of assembling a complete set across its various date and variety combinations. This early Shield Nickel features an impressive Mint State 66 grade from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Now, the 1867 Shield Nickel is available online from Bullion Metals.

Coins arrive inside protective plastic slabs!

2nd year of availability for Shield Nickels!

Contains 5 grams of 75% copper-25% nickel.

Issued a face value of $.05 (USD) by the United States.

Bears a grade of Mint State 66 from the NGC.

This 1867 Shield Nickel is available in MS66 condition according to the NGC. The coin boasts bright, largely untoned copper-nickel surfaces with a vivid, satin-like luster. The design elements are crisply defined on both sides, with a strong overall eye appeal that helps showcase this piece as a foundational example of the post-Civil War evolution of American currency.

The obverse of the Shield Nickel features a bold, centrally placed American shield that is adorned with a crosshatched design, with a laurel and oak branch arrangement at its base. The imagery conveys themes of strength and national resilience. Atop the shield sits a decorative crest element, lending the design a sense of formal authority.

The reverse of this 1867 Shield Nickel showcases the early release of the Type II design elements. Simplified from the 1866 visuals, this coin’s design removed the rays to address striking difficulties, resulting in a cleaner, more balanced composition that remained for the balance of the series.

The 1867 Shield Nickel is one of the more notable issues within the series, as it marks the year the Mint transitioned from the “With Rays” reverse design to the cleaner “Without Rays” variety. Both varieties were produced in 1867, making it a particularly interesting year for date collectors and variety enthusiasts alike. The “With Rays” version, produced earlier in the year, is the scarcer of the two and is especially sought after in higher grades. While the “Without Rays” example remains more accessible and is still desirable, in well-preserved condition.