1866 Shield Nickel

About This Coin

The 1866 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — the first year of the series. In 1866, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 14.7 million. This ranks 15th of 18 years by total mintage, above the series median of 3.2 million. The obverse features a large Union shield with a motto ribbon and crossed arrows behind it and the reverse displays a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars and rays. First year of the Shield Nickel and the first copper-nickel five-cent coin. The "With Rays" reverse was used this year and early 1867. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 20 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including cud, pre-cud, repunched date and 1 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $73 to $4.1K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $17K in MS66+ grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.