Shield Nickels, minted between 1866 and 1883, are a fascinating chapter in American coinage history. Featuring a distinctive shield design on the front, these nickels were the first five-cent coins made primarily of copper and nickel, marking a shift from the earlier silver half dimes.
Though they were common in their day, certain Shield Nickels are now incredibly rare — and some are worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you’re a coin collector, knowing which Shield Nickels are the most valuable can help you build a prestigious and potentially lucrative collection.
Here are the top 10 most expensive Shield Nickels you should look out for:
1. Shield Nickel 1867 (No Rays) – $150,000+
The 1867 Shield Nickel without rays around the shield is one of the rarest issues. Its limited mintage and subtle design differences make it highly desirable among collectors. High-grade specimens have sold for over $150,000 at auction.
2. Shield Nickel 1870-S – $100,000+
The 1870 San Francisco Mint (S) Shield Nickel is exceptionally rare. Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, and they command hefty prices in top condition, sometimes exceeding $100,000.
3. Shield Nickel 1873 (With Rays) – $90,000+
In 1873, the Shield Nickel featured rays around the shield design for the first time. Though more common than other rare dates, high-grade specimens with rays can sell for upwards of $90,000.
4. Shield Nickel 1877 – $70,000+
The 1877 Shield Nickel is scarce, especially in uncirculated condition. Its rarity and demand have driven auction prices well into the tens of thousands.
5. Shield Nickel 1868 – $65,000+
The 1868 Shield Nickel, part of the no-rays variety, is prized for its rarity and condition sensitivity. Collectors are willing to pay $65,000 or more for quality coins.
6. Shield Nickel 1881-S – $50,000+
Another San Francisco Mint rarity, the 1881-S Shield Nickel is sought after for its low mintage and scarcity in high grades.
7. Shield Nickel 1874 – $45,000+
Though more common than some others on this list, high-grade 1874 Shield Nickels can fetch over $45,000 due to their relative scarcity and collector interest.
8. Shield Nickel 1879 – $40,000+
The 1879 issue is one of the later Shield Nickels and is less common than many think, especially in near-mint condition.
9. Shield Nickel 1883 – $35,000+
The last year of Shield Nickel production, 1883 coins are becoming rarer in excellent condition as collectors seek to complete their sets.
10. Shield Nickel 1870 (No Mint Mark) – $30,000+
The 1870 Philadelphia Mint Shield Nickel without a mint mark is valuable, especially in higher grades where it becomes more scarce.
What Makes Shield Nickels So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high values of these coins:
- Low mintage years: Some years had very limited production.
- Mint mark rarity: Coins from the San Francisco Mint (marked “S”) are often rarer.
- Condition and grading: Uncirculated or high-grade coins are exponentially more valuable.
- Design varieties: No-rays vs. with-rays versions can affect value.
Tips for Collecting Shield Nickels
- Verify authenticity: Counterfeits exist, especially for high-value dates.
- Consult grading experts: Grading services like PCGS and NGC can authenticate and grade coins.
- Join coin clubs: Networking with other collectors can provide valuable insights.
- Buy from reputable dealers: Always ensure your purchases come from trusted sources.
Final Thoughts
Shield Nickels offer a captivating glimpse into 19th-century American coinage, combining historical significance with serious collectible value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, acquiring rare Shield Nickels can be both an exciting and potentially profitable pursuit.
With the right knowledge and patience, you could add one of these top 10 most expensive Shield Nickels to your collection — a true gem from American numismatic history.
