1883 Shield Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$13,200 MS67+ 04-25-2021 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1883 Shield Nickel is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Shield Nickels 1866-1883 series. With a mintage of 1.5 million, this is a scarce issue — the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. 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. Final year of the Shield Nickel. The 1883/2 overdate variety is a sought-after die variety for the series. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $313 to $3.1K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 20.5 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3813.
External References
Error Varieties(9)
1883 Overdate WOVD-001
1883 Repunched Date WRPD-001
1883 Repunched Date WRPD-002
1883 Repunched Date WRPD-003
1883 Repunched Date WRPD-004
1883 Repunched Date WRPD-005
1883 Repunched Date WRPD-006
1883 Repunched Date WRPD-007
