The United States Shield Nickel was a five-cent coin minted from 1866 to 1883. Here are some key details about the Shield Nickel:
Introduction: The Shield Nickel was introduced after the Civil War as a replacement for the larger and heavier Half Dime. The design features a shield on the obverse, giving the coin its name.
Design: The obverse of the coin features a shield with a cross and stars above it. The motto "In God We Trust" is inscribed above the shield. The reverse depicts a large "V" (Roman numeral for 5) within a wreath of laurel branches.
Composition: The Shield Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition gave the coin a whitish appearance.
Mint Marks: Shield Nickels were primarily minted at the Philadelphia Mint, but some years also saw production at the San Francisco Mint. You can identify the mint by the presence of a small mint mark, typically located below the wreath on the reverse.
Rays Variety: In 1866 and 1867, the Shield Nickel had rays between the stars on the reverse. This variety is known as the "With Rays" variety. Due to difficulties in striking and concerns about wear, the rays were removed starting in 1867, resulting in the "No Rays" variety.
Collector Interest: Shield Nickels are popular among collectors for their historical significance as part of post-Civil War coinage. The different varieties and the overall design make them interesting to numismatists.
Rarity: Some years and mintages of Shield Nickels are scarcer than others, contributing to variations in collector value. Coins in better condition and those with specific varieties, such as the 1877 and 1867 With Rays, tend to be more sought after.