1868 Shield Nickel Value Guide

The 1868 Shield Nickel is a highly collectible coin, and understanding its value is crucial for collectors and investors alike. The coin's rarity and condition play a significant role in determining its value.

In mint condition, the 1868 Shield Nickel can be worth upwards of $1,500. However, the average circulated coin typically sells for around $100.

The coin's design, featuring a shield on the obverse and a large numeral on the reverse, is a key factor in its collectibility. The Shield Nickel was the first 5-cent coin to feature the shield design, which was a departure from the earlier Liberty Head design.

The 1868 Shield Nickel is a relatively rare coin, with only a limited number of examples in existence. This scarcity contributes to its value and makes it a sought-after addition to any collection.

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Grading and pricing a 1868 Shield Nickel is a crucial step in determining its value. The condition of the coin plays a huge role in its worth, and collectors are willing to pay top dollar for a well-preserved piece.

A coin in Uncirculated condition has seen no time in circulation and shows no signs of wear, with even the original luster still present on both faces. This is extremely rare, making it difficult to find a Shield Nickel in this good of shape.

The grading process helps collectors get an accurate idea of what characteristics coins of a specific grade will have. A professional coin grading service is the best way to get an official grade, but the specification below can give you a better idea of what to expect.

A Fine grade indicates a Shield Nickel that saw a good amount of time in circulation, but is not overly destroyed. These coins will appear much duller than those of higher grades and will play host to plenty of scratching.

The price of a 1868 Shield Nickel is directly tied to its condition. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a graded Shield Nickel:

The price difference between a Good and Uncirculated grade is significant, with the latter being worth nearly six times more. This just goes to show how important the condition of a coin is when it comes to determining its value.

Your 1868 nickel's value is determined by its condition, which can vary greatly.

A coin in Uncirculated condition is essentially brand new, with mint luster still present and no signs of wear.

In Extremely Fine condition, a coin is still well-received by collectors, but shows slight wear on the leaves and upper part of the cross.

Fine condition coins have most of their minor details worn away, with the interior details of the leaves and shield's finer design worn and merged.

Good condition coins are at the low end of the value range, with the design worn to the point where only the outlines of the major details show.

The date on a Good condition coin is still readable, but the lettering has begun to merge with the rim and is becoming weak.

The numeral "5" on the reverse of a Good condition coin is very weak and often missing in parts, and the lettering and stars on the reverse are heavily worn and becoming faint.

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The 1868 shield nickel is a rare and valuable coin, and its specific value is determined by several factors.

In excellent condition, a 1868 shield nickel can be worth around $1,000 to $2,000.

This value is significantly higher than the face value of the coin, which is just five cents.

A rare 1868 shield nickel in mint condition can sell for upwards of $10,000.

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A "Golden Toned" 1868 Shield nickel sold at a David Lawrence Rare Coin Auction for $850, far above the $100 level of most uncirculated 1868 nickels.

Coins in excellent condition, with no wear, lustrous, and few abrasions, are rare and can bring strong prices at auction.

The "Silvery Gem" Shield nickel is an example of a coin that is seldom found with a radiating shine of a freshly minted coin, and its absence of bumps and bruises makes its surfaces distraction-free.

A discerning collector added this gem to their collection for the price of $715.

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Coins with intense coloring and scuff-free surfaces, like the "Golden Toned" 1868 Shield nickel, are highly sought after by collectors.

A coin with a slightly toned pale yellow coloring and deeper highlights along the rim, like the nickel in the center, can command a high price, in this case, over $790.

The 5 Cent Shield VG is a fascinating piece of American history.

The Shield Nickel is the first nickel released by the United States, designed by James Longacre in 1866.

It was a solution to replace paper 5-cent notes that were used during the Civil War due to silver Half Dimes disappearing from circulation.

The original design was struck for only two years before the rays were removed to alleviate production problems.

You can acquire this piece of history in Very Good to Fine (VG–F) condition, all struck for circulation in 1868.

This was a significant year in American history, with President Andrew Johnson being impeached by the House of Representatives and later acquitted in his Senate trial.

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The 14th Amendment to the Constitution was adopted in 1868, guaranteeing African Americans full citizenship.

Ulysses S. Grant was first elected president in 1868.

The year 1868 was also marked by the Battle of Washita River, where Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his 7th Cavalry attacked a band of Cheyenne Indians.

Nickels can be a valuable addition to any coin collection, especially if you have a rare one like the 1868 Shield Nickel. This coin can be worth a pretty penny, especially in excellent condition.

A 1868 Shield Nickel in good condition is worth around $20, while one in fine condition can fetch $25. But if you have one that's extremely fine, you could be looking at a price of $65. And if you're lucky enough to have one that's uncirculated, you could be talking about a price of $110.

The value of a 1868 Shield Nickel can vary greatly depending on its condition. In average circulated condition, it's worth around $15.00, but if it's certified mint state (MS+), it could bring as much as $400 at auction.

Here's a rough estimate of the value of a 1868 Shield Nickel based on its condition:

Keep in mind that these prices are just estimates, and the actual value of your coin could be higher or lower depending on its condition and other factors.