1874 Shield Nickel VF
Numismatic
1874 Shield Nickel VF
The 1874 Shield Nickel represents an intriguing era in United States coinage, serving as an early example of the five-cent denomination struck in base metal rather than silver. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, showing the clear details of a design that helped define American pocket change in the post-Civil War era. On the obverse, the central motif is an ornate shield, which James Longacre modeled after the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. This patriotic emblem is surrounded by the legend of the issuing nation. The reverse of the coin displays a large numeral five, representing its face value of 5 Cents, which is encircled by a ring of 13 stars representing the original colonies. As a sovereign issue, this copper-nickel coin carries the full backing of the United States government.
Fair market value
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Prices shown are estimated fair market values based on live spot prices and typical dealer ask premiums. They are provided for informational purposes only and are not an offer to buy or sell. The price a dealer will pay for an item (bid) is typically 10–20% below the values shown, depending on the item, its condition, and current market conditions.
Specifications
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1874 |
| Grade | Very Fine |
| Legal-tender face value | 5 Cents |
| Metal | Copper |
| Weight | 0.0000 troy oz |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Thickness | 1.95 mm |
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