1879 Shield Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$12,000 MS67 11-18-2020 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1879 Shield Nickel is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series. With a mintage of 25,900, this is an extremely rare issue — the highest mintage among 3 variants, accounting for 80% of the year's production. 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. Proof-only year. Mintage limited to proof sets for collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $527 to $2.8K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3808.
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