1883 Shield Nickel

About This Coin

The 1883 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — the final year of the series. In 1883, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 2.9 million. This ranks 9th 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. Final year of the Shield Nickel. The 1883/2 overdate variety is a sought-after die variety for the series. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 9 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including overdate, repunched date, shattered die. Produced 6 years after the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $313 to $3.1K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $16K in MS67 grade at Stack's. Designed by James Barton Longacre.