Numismatic

1867 Shield Nickel w/o Rays Fine

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In 1867, the United States Mint produced a five-cent piece that captures the spirit of a rebuilding nation. This specific coin, preserved in Fine condition, belongs to the celebrated Shield Nickel series. The design was created by James Longacre, who chose powerful national imagery to grace this early base-metal issue. The front of the coin displays an ornate shield, which draws its inspiration directly from the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. Arcing above this central emblem is the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, with the year 1867 positioned clearly at the bottom. On the reverse, the numeral 5 dominates the center, representing the denomination of five cents. This central figure is encircled by a ring of thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies that formed the nation. The surrounding inscription reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, completing a design that remains a favorite for those exploring the early history of American coinage.