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1879 Shield nickel value guide -- a genuinely scarce low-mintage date, and grade-by-grade prices.
Note: a full grade-by-grade breakdown for this coin is still being compiled.
Extremely low business-strike mintage makes 1879 one of the scarcest Shield nickel dates in genuine circulated grades -- not literally proof-only like 1877, but business strikes are rare enough that it functions as a near-key-date in practice.
NGC separately states circulated 1879 examples run roughly $450-$2,650 and uncirculated up to about $15,000, directionally consistent with this table but from an independent source.
Live listings matching the 1879 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 1879 Shield Nickel
Value depends heavily on condition. A well-worn example brings closer to $527, while an uncirculated one can reach $2,768 or more.
Extremely low business-strike mintage makes 1879 one of the scarcest Shield nickel dates in genuine circulated grades -- not literally proof-only like 1877, but business strikes are rare enough that it functions as a near-key-date in practice.
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.
