1866 Shield Nickel - Rays
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$17,038 MS66+ 07-15-2021 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1866 Shield Nickel - Rays is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series. Total mintage reached 14.7 million. The obverse features a large Union shield with a motto ribbon and crossed arrows behind it, while the reverse displays a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars and rays. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 1.94 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3790. The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent coin struck in the copper-nickel alloy that gives the "nickel" its name. The 1866 Rays variety and 1883/2 overdate are key varieties. Low-mintage proof-only dates exist toward the end of the series.
External References
Error Varieties(20)
1866 Repunched Date WRPD-001
CU-5c-1866-01 Cud
CU-5c-1866-05 Cud
CU-5c-1866-07 Cud
PC-5c-1866-01 Cud
PC-5c-1866-01 Pre-Cud
PC-5c-1866-02 Cud
PC-5c-1866-02 Pre-Cud
PC-5c-1866-04, 05 & 06 Cud
PC-5c-1866-04, 05 & 06 Pre-Cud
RCD-5c-1866-01 Retained Cud
RCD-5c-1866-03R Retained Cud
RCD-5c-1866-04R Retained Cud
RCD-5c-1866-05 Retained Cud
RCD-5c-1866-08 Retained Cud
RCD-5c-1866-09 Retained Cud
RCD-5c-1866-10 Retained Cud
RCD-5C-1866-02 Retained Cud
RCD-5C-1866-06 Retained Cud
