Shield Nickels 1866-1883

About This Series

America's first five-cent nickel coin arrived in 1866 as a direct response to the Civil War's disruption of the nation's monetary system, replacing fractional currency notes and supplementing the silver half dime that had largely vanished from circulation due to hoarding. James B. Longacre designed the Union shield obverse — echoing the patriotic imagery of his two-cent piece — with a reverse displaying a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars and rays. The rays between the stars proved problematic: they caused excessive die breakage, and the feature was removed partway through 1867, creating the With Rays (1866-1867) and Without Rays (1867-1883) subtypes that define the series. The 1877 and 1878 are proof-only issues with no business strikes, creating conditional rarities accessible only through proof sets. The 1883/2 overdate — where a 3 was clearly punched over a 2 in the date — is the series' most celebrated die variety. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 20mm diameter and 5.0 grams, the Shield nickel established the composition and approximate specifications that would define the five-cent piece for over a century. Authorized by the Act of May 16, 1866, the Shield nickel's introduction reflected a broader post-war reorganization of minor coinage. The series remains popular with type collectors and variety specialists.

Series Information