1867 Shield Nickel

About This Coin

The 1867 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — the second year of the series. In 1867, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 30.9 million. This represents the highest annual mintage in the entire series, 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. The rays between stars were removed mid-year because they caused excessive die cracking and shortened die life. Both With Rays and Without Rays varieties exist for 1867. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 31 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including cud, pre-cud, retained cud and 1 other types. Produced 10 years before the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $25 to $584 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $78K in PR65 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by James Barton Longacre.