1876 Shield Nickel

About This Coin

The 1876 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — 11th of 18 years in the series. In 1876, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 2.5 million. This ranks 8th of 18 years by total mintage, below 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. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (retained cud). Struck one year before the 1877 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $56 to $468 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $10.0K in MS66+ grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.