1868 Shield Nickel

About This Coin

The 1868 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — an early issue, 3rd of 18 years in the series. In 1868, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 29.2 million. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the 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 within a circle of stars, without rays. 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. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 7 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including retained cud, shattered die. Produced 9 years before the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $38 to $468 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $7.6K in MS67 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by James Barton Longacre.