Numismatic

1870 Shield Nickel VG

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The 1870 Shield Nickel represents an intriguing era in United States coinage, showcasing a bold design by James Longacre. On the obverse, a prominent shield takes center stage, drawing its inspiration directly from the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. This emblem of national unity and strength is paired with the legible year of 1870 at the bottom and the classic motto of trust at the top. Turning the coin over reveals a reverse centered around the numeral five, representing its five-cent face value. This central denomination is completely encircled by a ring of thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies that formed the nation. The surrounding inscription clearly identifies the issuing authority as the United States of America. This particular specimen survives in Very Good condition, offering a tangible look at late nineteenth-century American currency.