Copyright © PeerMetals 2026
1871 Shield nickel value guide -- a genuinely low-mintage date, and grade-by-grade prices.
Lowest circulation-strike mintage of any Philadelphia-only "regular" Shield nickel date at 561,000 -- a genuinely scarce date, especially in mid-to-high grade.
Real-market listings for this date are consistently thin, reflecting its low surviving population relative to common dates like 1868 or 1882.
Live listings matching the 1871 Shield Nickel
Other dates and varieties in this series
Condition drives price more than any other factor on a coin like this — two examples of the same date can be worth very different amounts depending on wear and authentication.
The value table above is organized by grade for a reason — a coin's condition, not just its date, sets where it lands on that range. If you're not sure how to grade, a seller's photos and description should call it out.
A professionally graded (PCGS/NGC) example carries more certainty than a raw coin, and usually a small premium for it. Both are fine to buy — just factor grading into the price you're comparing.
Prices vary between individual sellers here, not one retailer's price list. Sort by price, check the seller's Metal Points and order history, and message the seller if photos don't show enough detail to grade confidently.
About the 1871 Shield Nickel
Value depends heavily on condition. A well-worn example brings closer to $100, while an uncirculated one can reach $997 or more.
Lowest circulation-strike mintage of any Philadelphia-only "regular" Shield nickel date at 561,000 -- a genuinely scarce date, especially in mid-to-high grade.
For anything you believe is a key date or an error, professional grading protects both buyer and seller by settling condition and authenticity before money changes hands.
List it free on PeerMetals — flat 2.75% seller fee, zero listing fees, 1–3 day payouts.
