Shield Nickel 1866 - 1883

Image Courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Shield Nickel General Grading Standards

G4 Good - All letters in motto readable. VG8 Very Good - Motto stands out clearly. Rims worn slightly but even. Part of shield lines visible. F12 Fine - Half of each olive leaf is smooth. EF40 Extremely Fine - Leaf tips show slight wear. Cross over shield slightly worn. AU50 About Uncirculated - Traces of light wear on only the high points of the design. Half of mint luster is present. MS60 Uncirculated - No trace of wear. Light blemishes. MS63 Uncirculated - Some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prime focal areas. Luster may be impaired.

Shield Nickel Specifications

Content: 75% copper 25% nickel Weight: 5 grams Diameter: 20.5 millimeters

Edge: Plain Designer: James B. Longacre

Year/ Mint Mark	Circulation Strikes	Proof Strikes
1866	14,742,500	About 500
1867 Rays	2,019,000	About 75
1867 No Rays	28,890,500	About 600
1868	28,817,000	About 600
1869	16,395,000	About 600
1870	4,806,000	About 1,000
1871	561,000	About 960
1872	6,036,000	About 950
1873	4,550,000	About 1,100
1874	3,538,000	About 700
1875	2,097,000	About 700
1876	2,530,000	About 1,150
1877	0	About 510
1878	0	2,350
1879	25,900	3,200
1880	16,000	3,955
1881	68,800	3,575
1882	11,472,900	3,100
1883	1,451,500	5,419

Mint Mark Legend

There are no mintmarks on these coins, all coins were minted in Philadelphia.

Mint Mark	Mint	Date of Operation
None	Philadelphia	1793-present

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