Numismatic

1882 Shield Nickel BU

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The 1882 Shield Nickel represents a fascinating chapter in late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this five-cent piece is composed of a copper-nickel alloy rather than precious metal. This particular specimen is preserved in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, allowing observers to appreciate the original details of James Longacre's design just as they looked when the coin first left the minting press. On the obverse, the central motif features a highly detailed decorative shield. This emblem draws its inspiration directly from the coat of arms found on the Great Seal of the United States. Above the shield, the national motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed, while the year 1882 is positioned clearly at the bottom of the design. The reverse of the coin focuses on simplicity and national identity. The large central numeral five, representing the denomination, is surrounded by a circular frame of thirteen stars. This ring of stars is encircled by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the word "CENTS" below, completing a design backed by the authority of the United States government.