Shield Nickel Boxed

This collection features a classic United States coin that is over a century old and which disappeared from circulation generations ago – the 1866-1883 Shield Nickel.  The Shield Nickel was America’s first nickel 5 cent coin.  It was first minted in 1866, just a year after the end of the Civil War.  The last coin was made in 1883, when it was replaced with the Liberty Head 'V' Nickel. 

The coin was designed by James B. Longacre, who also designed the legendary Indian Head Penny.  The obverse features the Union Shield – a symbol of American unity.  This was an important design in the years following the Civil War, as it proclaimed the power of the victorious Union in the Civil War.  The reverse shows 13 stars (one for each of the original 13 states) around a large '5'. 

Most Shield Nickels were worn out in circulation or melted long ago.  Just a fraction remain in any condition, and the coins offered here are in beautiful collectible condition. 

This coin comes gift boxed and with a Certificate of Authenticity.