1866 Shield Nickel
Base
About This Coin
The 1866 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series. The obverse features a large Union shield with a motto ribbon and crossed arrows behind it, while the reverse displays a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars and rays. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent coin struck in the copper-nickel alloy that gives the "nickel" its name. Introduced during Reconstruction, the shield obverse carried strong Union symbolism. The original reverse featured rays between the stars, abandoned after 1867 because it caused die cracking. The 1866 Rays variety and 1883/2 overdate are key varieties. Low-mintage proof-only dates exist toward the end of the series.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(2)
1866 Proof Shield Nickel - Rays
1866 Shield Nickel - Rays
Other Base Coins in This Series
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