Numismatic

1876 Shield Nickel Fine

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The 1876 Shield Nickel represents an intriguing era in United States coinage, showcasing a design that speaks to the nation's post-Civil War identity. Struck in Philadelphia, this five-cent piece is composed of copper and nickel, rather than precious silver. The coin's obverse displays an intricate shield motif, which draws its inspiration directly from the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. Above this central emblem, the timeless motto IN GOD WE TRUST is clearly inscribed, with the year 1876 positioned at the bottom. On the reverse, the coin features a large numeral 5 to denote its denomination, surrounded by the word CENTS. This central element is encircled by a ring of thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The surrounding legend reads UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Created by James Longacre, this distinctive design is a fascinating subject for study, offering a tangible look at nineteenth-century American coinage in a Fine state of preservation.