1881 Shield Nickel
Base
About This Coin
The 1881 Shield Nickel is a United States nickel from the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series — a late issue, 16th of 18 years in the series. In 1881, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 71,575. This ranks 5th of 18 years by total mintage, below the series median of 3.2 million. The obverse features a large Union shield with a motto ribbon and crossed arrows behind it and the reverse displays a large numeral 5 within a circle of stars, without rays. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced 4 years after the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $313 to $1.7K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $8.5K in MS67 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by James Barton Longacre.
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)
Other Base Coins in This Series
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