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The first US nickel-alloy 5-cent coin, replacing the small silver half dime after the Civil War drove silver coinage out of circulation. Its obverse shows a Civil War-era shield, and its earliest issues (1866 and part of 1867) featured rays between the reverse stars -- quickly dropped after the design caused striking and die-clashing problems. The Liberty Head "V" nickel replaced it in 1883.
Every date below is a recognised key date or variety. Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
How many of each were struck — the shortest bar is the scarcest date in the series.
Bars are scaled to keep the smallest mintages visible; the exact figure is printed on every row. Mintage is coins struck, not coins surviving — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further.
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About Shield Nickel values
The 1877 tops this series: a top-grade example is estimated around $5,000. Condition drives that figure — the same date in worn condition is worth a fraction of it, which is why each guide shows a range rather than a single number.
By mintage, the 1877 is the scarcest key date tracked here, with 900 struck. Mintage is coins struck rather than coins surviving, though — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further, so survival estimates run lower still.
This guide covers 7 key dates and varieties from the Shield Nickel series (1866–1883). Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
Grading takes practice, and the gap between adjacent grades is real money on a key date. Compare your coin against the photographs on each date's page, and for anything potentially valuable consider having it certified by PCGS or NGC — a graded coin settles both authenticity and condition in one step.
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Every US series with key dates priced here.
