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The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent coin produced in the United States using a copper-nickel alloy. Introduced in 1866, it featured a strong patriotic design that mirrored the national mood during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. This durable coin replaced the widely disliked half dime and marked the beginning of the modern five-cent denomination made from base metals. This 1873 Shield Nickel is a proof specimen with vibrant luster and a low mintage of just 1,100 coins in total. Right now, the 1873 Shield Nickel is available from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
Each 1873 Shield Nickel Coin available here is a PF64 specimen with small contact marks in groups and one or two heavier marks. Hairlines may present as scattered flaws or in a single, small patch. This proof coin featured an extremely low mintage, blast white visuals, and satin luster on the obverse and reverse fields.
The 1873 Shield Nickel gains special interest among collectors because this year saw both open and closed varieties of the numeral “3” in the date, creating a minor but significant variation that numismatists actively seek, while the year itself marked the end of silver three-cent piece production, leaving the nickel three-cent as the sole representative of that denomination.
On the obverse of the 1873 Shield Nickel, a large federal shield takes center stage, topped by a decorative wreath with the date positioned below. The design is framed by the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the upper edge. The reverse of 1873 Shield Nickel Coins features the denomination “5 CENTS” in the center, surrounded by a ring of thirteen stars. Around the outer edge is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” creating a balanced and orderly layout that highlights the coin’s denomination while continuing the patriotic theme seen on the obverse.
If you have any questions about rare copper coins, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.
Tracking and insurance included on all orders
The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent coin produced in the United States using a copper-nickel alloy. Introduced in 1866, it featured a strong patriotic design that mirrored the national mood during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. This durable coin replaced the widely disliked half dime and marked the beginning of the modern five-cent denomination made from base metals. This 1873 Shield Nickel is a proof specimen with vibrant luster and a low mintage of just 1,100 coins in total. Right now, the 1873 Shield Nickel is available from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
Each 1873 Shield Nickel Coin available here is a PF64 specimen with small contact marks in groups and one or two heavier marks. Hairlines may present as scattered flaws or in a single, small patch. This proof coin featured an extremely low mintage, blast white visuals, and satin luster on the obverse and reverse fields.
The 1873 Shield Nickel gains special interest among collectors because this year saw both open and closed varieties of the numeral “3” in the date, creating a minor but significant variation that numismatists actively seek, while the year itself marked the end of silver three-cent piece production, leaving the nickel three-cent as the sole representative of that denomination.
On the obverse of the 1873 Shield Nickel, a large federal shield takes center stage, topped by a decorative wreath with the date positioned below. The design is framed by the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the upper edge. The reverse of 1873 Shield Nickel Coins features the denomination “5 CENTS” in the center, surrounded by a ring of thirteen stars. Around the outer edge is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” creating a balanced and orderly layout that highlights the coin’s denomination while continuing the patriotic theme seen on the obverse.
If you have any questions about rare copper coins, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.
