1875 Shield Nickel Value Guide

The 1875 Shield Nickel is a significant piece of post-Civil War numismatic history, representing the first copper-nickel five-cent series in the United States. Designed by James B. Longacre to replace the silver half dime, this specific year belongs to the 'no rays' subtype which became the standard after 1867.

What Is 1875 Shield Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1875 Shield Nickel is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Overall strike quality and the visibility of the fine vertical lines within the shield design.
• The presence of significant wear or 'flatness' on the numeral 5 and the cross atop the shield.
• Surface preservation, including the absence of heavy scratches, corrosion, or environmental damage common to copper-nickel.
• Market demand for the 1875 date, which typically commands a value between $10 and $15 depending on condition.

How to Identify 1875 Shield Nickel?

• Verify the obverse features a large decorative shield with the date 1875 positioned directly below it.
• Check the reverse for a large numeral 5 surrounded by 13 stars, ensuring there are no rays between the stars.
• Confirm the composition is copper-nickel, which gives the coin its characteristic silver-like appearance without the precious metal content.
• Look for the 'In God We Trust' motto located above the shield on the obverse side.

History of 1875 Shield Nickel

The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent coin of the United States to be made of copper-nickel, introduced in 1866. It was designed by James B. Longacre and succeeded the silver half dime. The coin's design features a shield on the obverse and a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars and rays on the reverse. The rays were removed in 1867. These coins were minted during a period of significant economic change following the American Civil War.