1866 Nickel Patterns

About This Coin

The 1866 Nickel Patterns is a United States nickel from the Reconstruction Era Patterns (1866-1869) series — the first year of the series. In 1866, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The obverse features experimental designs exploring post-war coinage concepts and the reverse displays various experimental designs including nickel and aluminum compositions. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. A notable auction result reached $46K in PR64 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Various Mint engravers.