Numismatic

1874 Shield Nickel AG

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The 1874 Shield Nickel represents an intriguing era in United States coinage. This five cent piece, composed of base metal, showcases a design by James Longacre that draws heavy inspiration from the nation's official heraldry. The front of the coin displays a detailed shield modeled after the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. Surrounding this central emblem are the legible legends indicating the issuing country. On the reverse side, the central focus is the large numeral five, representing its denomination. This central number is encircled by a ring of thirteen stars, symbolizing the original colonies. The words representing the currency value are clearly inscribed below the central design. This specific coin has survived in an Almost Good state of preservation, offering a tangible look at a classic nineteenth-century American denomination minted in Philadelphia.