- Monday-Friday 8-6 CST1-800-276-6508
Subscribe to the JM Bullion newsletter to receive timely market updates and information on product sales and giveaways.
Major Payment Methods Accepted
Download Our Free App Today
© Copyright 2026 JM Bullion. All Rights Reserved. Your Privacy Choices 
Introduced in 1866, the Shield Nickel holds the distinction of being America’s first five-cent coin struck from a copper-nickel alloy. Its bold and symbolic design reflected the country’s sense of unity and rebuilding during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The Shield Nickel replaced the unpopular half dime and helped establish the five-cent denomination in the base-metal format that remains familiar today. This 1874 Shield Nickel, with a limited issue of just 700 coins, is a proof specimen issued during a period of economic difficulty and displays a bright, frosted luster. Today, the 1874 Shield Nickel is available at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The 1874 Shield Nickel continued the series during a period of economic uncertainty following the Panic of 1873, and while it maintained the established design without rays, this issue represents a moderately scarce date within the Shield Nickel series that appeals to collectors building complete sets of this classic American type.
This 1874 Shield Nickel features small contact marks grouped together, one or two heavier marks, and the potential for either a few scattered hairlines or a small patch. From an extremely limited release of just 700 proof specimens, this coin has strong details in its design elements, with surfaces that are blast white and crisp in detail.
The obverse of the 1874 Shield Nickel features a prominent federal shield as its focal point, topped by a wreath and accompanied by the date below. Above the shield is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” completing the design. On the reverse of 1874 Shield Nickel Coins, the inscription “5 CENTS” appears at the center within a circle of thirteen stars. Encircling the design is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” resulting in a well-balanced and symmetrical appearance that clearly conveyed the coin’s value while reinforcing its patriotic imagery.
Please contact JM Bullion with any questions about historic US copper coins. Our team is available to you at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.
Ships Within 1 Business Day of Cleared Payment
Tracking and insurance included on all orders
Introduced in 1866, the Shield Nickel holds the distinction of being America’s first five-cent coin struck from a copper-nickel alloy. Its bold and symbolic design reflected the country’s sense of unity and rebuilding during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The Shield Nickel replaced the unpopular half dime and helped establish the five-cent denomination in the base-metal format that remains familiar today. This 1874 Shield Nickel, with a limited issue of just 700 coins, is a proof specimen issued during a period of economic difficulty and displays a bright, frosted luster. Today, the 1874 Shield Nickel is available at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The 1874 Shield Nickel continued the series during a period of economic uncertainty following the Panic of 1873, and while it maintained the established design without rays, this issue represents a moderately scarce date within the Shield Nickel series that appeals to collectors building complete sets of this classic American type.
This 1874 Shield Nickel features small contact marks grouped together, one or two heavier marks, and the potential for either a few scattered hairlines or a small patch. From an extremely limited release of just 700 proof specimens, this coin has strong details in its design elements, with surfaces that are blast white and crisp in detail.
The obverse of the 1874 Shield Nickel features a prominent federal shield as its focal point, topped by a wreath and accompanied by the date below. Above the shield is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” completing the design. On the reverse of 1874 Shield Nickel Coins, the inscription “5 CENTS” appears at the center within a circle of thirteen stars. Encircling the design is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” resulting in a well-balanced and symmetrical appearance that clearly conveyed the coin’s value while reinforcing its patriotic imagery.
Please contact JM Bullion with any questions about historic US copper coins. Our team is available to you at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.
