Numismatic

1870 Shield Nickel Fine

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The 1870 Shield Nickel represents an early chapter in the history of five-cent pieces in the United States. This particular coin, graded in Fine condition, showcases a design conceived by James Longacre. The obverse displays an intricate shield, which draws its inspiration directly from the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. Above this central motif, the timeless motto "IN GOD, WE TRUST" is inscribed, while the year 1870 is anchored at the bottom. On the reverse, the coin features the denomination of "5 CENTS" placed prominently in the center. This value is encircled by a ring of thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies. As a sovereign coin backed by the United States government, this piece offers a fascinating look at late nineteenth-century American coinage design and national imagery.