1883 Shield Nickel

While most Shield nickels of 1866 -1883 circulated heavily and are rarely found in higher grades, you can now own a well-preserved coin from the final year of this historic series! These were the first 5¢ coins struck in the copper-nickel alloy still in use with 5¢ coins today. They were introduced as substitutes for silver half dimes – when silver coinage was being hoarded during the Civil War era. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features a patriotic Union shield with a wreath, while the reverse bears a large numeral 5. We have just a very few coins available in each grade – add one of these scarce, well-preserved 1883 nickels to your collection today!