Why Are Shield Nickels Dead?

Maybe I am confused but after reading this last night I decided to hunt the Bay for a while and I did not notice any difference in price or bidding on these than on others I have scoped. The decent condition coins were at a premium, the cheap ones were crap, could make out almost no design, ect. So I am perplexed why anyone thinks they are dead? Less desired than some? Sure, that goes for quite a few but it looks like the ones that want a Shield still have to pay to get one in decent shape.

thats awesome Gyrene

Not just Shield nickels but most Nickels are not the most popular collecting item except the Indian Head/Buffalo ones. For some reason people just don't like Nickels.
If you look up the values of Shield nickels, Liberty Head Nickels and Jefferson nickels you really don't see a great value for the amount minted.
As an example the 1880 Shield nickel in G-4 is barely worth $500 and only 16,000 minted. Compare with a 1909S VDB cent with 484,000 minted and it's valued in close to a thousand in G-4. Liberty Head Nickels too all have really low values even in MS grades. And although there are those that really like the Jefferson nickel, what other US coin can you almost complete a set by just getting rolls from the bank?
For some reason people just don't like Nickels.

By dead it is only for collecting naturally since non are still being made.
Actually we could say the same about 2 cent pieces, 3 cent pieces, Half Dimes, 20 cent pieces, etc.
If you go to coin shows and ask dealers about the sale of all of those, you would probably get a "I do better with State Quarters".
All coins are sold and bought based on popularity. Same with cars, toys, batteries, etc. That is what makes the 1955 Licoln Cent Double Die so expensive. just popularity.
Since so many collectors realize the chances of completing a collection of some types of coins is slim and/or to expensive, they move on to the easier ones.
This is what makes a Shield nickel just not what people collect. No popularity so no big value so no big collectable.

Just Carl, you are correct. I managed to get a velvet Whitman board from the 1930's filled with pre 1900 Liberty nickels, with the exception of 1885 and 1886, in VG to F condition for $40. I was cherry picking from the board when I realized what a deal he was making me - he was just tired of carrying around the board. I nearly blew it too because I got too excited and he wanted to take a second look at the coins I was getting. I will say though, I enjoyed talking with him and will be looking for him again at the next coin show. The good thing about collecting these is while they may be difficult to find, they are often offered at a fair price once you get a good lead.

Those are nice looking Shield nickels.