1870 Shield Nickel Value Guide

The 1870 Shield Nickel is a significant numismatic piece representing the transition from silver half dimes to the first copper-nickel five-cent coins. Designed by James B. Longacre, this specific year is highly collectible due to its semi-key date status and a relatively low mintage of just 4.8 million pieces.

What Is 1870 Shield Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1870 Shield Nickel is $28 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The 1870 date is a semi-key issue, meaning its lower mintage of 4.8 million makes it more valuable than common dates in the series.
• Surface preservation is critical, as these coins were struck in a hard metal that often resulted in die cracks or weak strikes.
• The presence of original luster and minimal contact marks significantly increases the value above the $28-$30 baseline.
• Overall strike quality, particularly on the stars and the cross atop the shield, dictates the final market price.

How to Identify 1870 Shield Nickel?

• Verify the composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which gives the coin its distinct non-silver appearance.
• Examine the obverse for the patriotic shield design and the 1870 date located at the bottom center.
• Check the reverse for a large numeral 5 surrounded by a circle of 13 stars and rays, characteristic of the later Shield Nickel design.
• Look for the fine vertical and horizontal lines within the shield, which are often the first details to wear down.

History of 1870 Shield Nickel

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Shield Nickel was the first five-cent piece made of copper-nickel rather than silver. The 1870 issue is considered a semi-key date in the series due to its relatively low mintage of just over 4.8 million coins, compared to the tens of millions produced in the series' early years.