NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
Coin Date: Shield Nickel Set Denomination (Short): 5c Denomination (Long): 5 Cents Variety: 20 Coins Desg: PR Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel Strike Type: Proof Coinage Type: Shield nickel Coinage Years: 1866-1883 Mint Location: Philadelphia Diameter: 20.5 Weight (Grams): 5 Designer: James B. Longacre Edge: Plain Obverse Description: A shield flanked on the left and right by leaves topped with a cross with arrows positioned behind at the bottom so the arrow heads and shanks protrude at the sides. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the top periphery with the date positioned at the bottom center. Reverse Description: A large numeral 5 surrounded by 13 stars centered in the design with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * CENTS around the periphery. General Notes: Proof versions of the Shield nickel were struck during every year of the series run from 1866 through 1883. The Shield nickel, designed by James B. Longacre, became America's first copper-nickel five-cent coin and is the forerunner of the nickel that we use today in commerce.
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Proof Shield nickels are generally scarce, with between 600 and 3,000 pieces struck during any given year, with a few exceptions. On the high end of proof production is the 1883 proof Shield nickel, with 5,419 specimens struck. On the low side is the 1867 Rays proof Shield nickel, which saw a mintage of merely 25 pieces.
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There are a few interesting notes about proof Shield nickels. The extraordinarily scarce 1867 Without Rays Pattern Reverse Shield nickel is one of the most challenging issues. The 1877 and 1878 are proof-only dates for the Shield nickel and thus trade at much higher levels due to pressure from date-set collectors.
