1874 Shield Nickel
Base
About This Coin
The 1874 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — 9th of 18 years in the series. In 1874, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 3.5 million. This ranks 10th 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 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, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced 3 years before the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $43 to $468 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $15K in MS68 grade at eBay. Designed by James Barton Longacre.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
