1867 Nickel Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

If you are collecting the iconic Shield Nickels, you’re probably curious about the 1867 nickel value. After a faulty start in producing the 1866, the United States Mint decided to change the Shield Nickel’s design in 1867, adding to the uniqueness of this coin.

Despite its high mintage, the 1867 nickel is collectible and will add great value to your collection. Whether you’re an experienced or new collector, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about the 1867 shield nickel.

We’ll walk you through the coin’s fascinating history and interesting physical features, and learn how to grade your nickel. You’ll also discover noteworthy minting errors that can boost the value of your coin.

So, just how much is the 1867 nickel worth? Let’s find out!

1867 Nickel Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1867 Rays Nickel Value	$50	$100	$275	$9,000
1867 No Rays Nickel Value	$35	$50	$110	$2,000

 

History of the 1867 Nickel

The 1867 nickel was the second-year issue of the historic Shield Nickel which the United States Mint struck from 1866 to 1883. The Shield Nickel is particularly interesting to collectors as it was the first five-cent coin to be minted out of copper-nickel. The five-cent silver coins, struck several years before the nickels, were known as half dimes.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the silver half dimes disappeared from circulation, prompting the Mint to introduce coins of a lower denomination. Around 1864, an ambitious industrialist by the name Joseph Wharton lobbied Congress to mint nickel coins and do away with silver altogether.

Congress approved the introduction of copper-nickel pieces, authorizing the engraver, James B. Longacre to design the new coins. Longacre based his design on the two-cent pieces he had designed earlier in 1864. However, the initial design of the Shield Nickel was only used for a short time before being replaced with a modified version in 1867, mostly due to production issues.

For the 1866 Shield Nickel, Longacre changed the two-cent piece design by moving the position of the two arrows and eliminating the scroll with the inscription, IN GOD WE TRUST. He also added a cross at the top of the shield, completing the obverse design. The reverse initially featured the numeral “5” encircled by thirteen stars separated by sun-burst rays. However, this design was changed in early 1867 as the coins proved to be too difficult to strike and the Mint thought that production would be smoother if the rays were removed.

Although the Mint had decided to transition to the new coin designs by the start of 1867, it still used some left over dies from the previous design. As such, some early 1867 shield nickels feature the rays design but the rays are missing from later shield nickels. The presence of rays on some 1867 nickels and not on others caused confusion, with some collectors thinking that one version is a counterfeit, but obviously, this isn’t the case.

The 1867 nickels with rays are scarce and highly sought-after by collectors. Even in lower grades, these coins command premium prices and are definitely a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money

 

Features of the 1867 Nickel

We’ll now look at the physical characteristics of the 1867 nickel. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can accurately grade your coin, tell a real 1867 shield nickel from a counterfeit, and identify Shield Nickels that are worth a fortune.  

Obverse of the 1867 Nickel

The front side features a prominent shield, which is symbolic of a defensive weapon, a representation of self-defense and readiness to protect the United States.

The horizontal lines at the top of shield, known as the “chief” represent Congress while the thirteen vertical lines represent the states. The cross at the top holds a religious and military symbolism.

Two arrows protrude at the bottom from behind the shield. Although they are symbolic of non-aggression, they also represent a readiness to defend. The laurel branches hanging on either side of the shield are a symbol of victory.

The national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, is inscribed at the top above the shield while the date, “1867” is etched at the bottom along the rim.

Reverse of the 1867 Nickel

The reverse shows an equally elegant design with the numeral “5” representing the coin’s denomination, five-cent, taking the center stage.

 Thirteen stars separated by rays on some coins and none on others, encircle the number “5.” The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched around the coin, leaving only a small space for the coin’s denomination, inscribed as “CENTS” at the bottom.

Other Features of the 1867 Nickel

Additional features of the 1867 shield nickel worth noting are:

• Diameter: 20.50 millimeters
• Weight: 5.00 grams
• Edge: Plain
• Metal composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickel Worth Money

 

1867 Nickel Value Guides

 So, how much is an 1867 shield nickel? The value depends on factors such as the coin’s condition, mintage , presence of minting errors, and whether or not your shield nickel has rays on the reverse design.

The 1867 nickel was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, the only coining facility at the time.  The Rays variety had a modest mintage of 2,019,000 compared to 28,890,500 for the No Rays variety, the highest mintage in the entire Shield Nickel series.

In summary, there are two types of the 1867 nickel:

• 1867 Rays Shield Nickel
• 1867 No Rays Shield Nickel

Let’s discover how much is worth.

1867 Rays Nickel Value

 By late 1866, plans were already underway to remove the rays from the reverse of the shield nickel. However, due to the high demand for these coins, the Mint continued minting 1867 five-cents using 1866 dies, which still had the rays design. This resulted in a small number of 1867-date nickels with the Rays design.

Here’s a breakdown of the value of 1867 Rays Nickels:

• Circulated Examples: Worn examples are readily available and affordable for most collectors. However, the population of these circulated pieces begins to dwindle at the Very Fine (VF) grade, at which point they attract higher prices. An example graded Poor/Average will sell for as much as $30, one graded Good (G) will fetch up to $50, while a Fine (F) example will go for at least $100. An Extra Fine (XF), which is generally scarce will sell for up to $275 while an even scarcer About Uncirculated (AU58) will fetch as much as $400.
• Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are scarce but still collectible. But the population starts to dwindle at MS66 after which, Mint State pieces and gems become extremely rare. At MS60, examples will bring in at least $450 and as much as $700 for an MS63. At MS64, prices jump up considerably with specimens fetching up to $1400. Rare MS66 gems will command at least $9,000.
• Auction Record: In a record-breaking auction in 2013, Stack’s Bowers sold an MS67 for an impressive $41,125, making this the most valuable 1867 Rays Nickel.

1867 No Rays Nickel Value

The majority of the 1867 nickels do not have rays on the reverse. The Philadelphia Mint struck close to 29 million of these coins but most have a weak strike, especially on the stars on the reverse and laurel leaves on the obverse. For most of its production run, the Shield Nickel design proved extremely difficult to strike and this put a strain on the dies, resulting in a noticeably weak strike on the reverse and obverse.

So, how much as 1867 No Rays Nickels? Here’s what to expect:

• Circulated Examples: The 1867 No Rays nickel had the highest mintage in the entire series, making circulated examples quite common. Due to age and environmental exposure, majority of survivors are heavily worn and will only start selling for a substantial amount at About Uncirculated (AU58). In lower grades, examples are quite affordable even for new collectors. An example graded Poor/Average will sell for about $25, a Good (G) for as much as $35, and a Fine (F) for about $50. A piece graded Extremely Fine (XF) will fetch up to $110 while an About Uncirculated (AU58) will bring in at least $175.
• Mint State Examples: Circulated examples are plentiful although most are of lower grades due to the die’s weak strike. At grade MS60, expect up to $200 and as much as $425 for examples graded MS64. Rare pieces graded MS65 will sell for up to $1,175 while an MS66 will fetch up to $2,000 or more.
• Auction Record: In 2014, Stack’s Bowers auctioned an MS66 for a record-breaking price of $8,225.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money

 

1867 Nickel Grading

 The complex design is one of the most outstanding features of the 1867 Shield Nickel. As such, the shield details and rays play a big role when determining your coin’s grade. Grading involves assessing the nickel’s overall condition and strike quality.

On lower-grade 1867 nickels, most of the details are smooth and outlines barely visible or missing altogether. The rims are merged into the coin and the date is only slightly visible. On the reverse, only a hint of the number 5 is visible.

Mid-grade nickels show slightly more visible details. The horizontal and vertical lines on the shield are relatively visible but these high contact points have significant wear. There’s more detail on the laurel leaves on the obverse and the stars and rays on the reverse.

Mint State examples are scarce but the most desirable due to their pristine condition. These specimens will show full details on the obverse and reverse, original mint luster, and few (if any) imperfections on the surface.

Check out this video for great tips on how to grade your shield nickel like a pro.

 

Rare 1867 Nickel Errors List

Due to the many production problems encountered during the minting of the 1867 nickels, a few notable errors show up in this date. Here are some that can boost the value of your shield nickel.

1. 1867 Shield Nickel Re-Punched Date Error

The re-punched date error is one of the most common in the 1867 nickel series probably because dies from the previous year were used to strike the 1867 nickels.

 An attempt to correct the last “6” in the date and replace it with a “7” resulted in many re-punched date errors. At closer look, you will notice that the number “7” has been punched over a “6” although you might need a magnifier to really zoom in on the re-punched date. 

A re-punched date error can increase the value of your 1867 nickel by $20-$100 depending on the visibility of the error.

2. 1867 Shield Nickel Doubled Die Error

Doubled die errors are also quite common due to the production issues that came up. This error occurs when the die and planchet are misaligned, causing the die to strike at slightly different angles multiple times. This results in some doubling in the inscriptions and/or design elements.

The stronger or more visible the doubling, the more valuable the error tends to be.  Expect between $10- $50 for a doubled die error.

3. 1867 Shield Nickel Rim Cud Error

 Another error that shows up in the 1867 nickel series is the rim cud, a horizontal bump along the coin’s rim. This error forms when a piece of the die’s rim breaks off, leaving a gap that is gradually filled with metal pieces.

Eventually, as the die continues striking, it leaves an impression of the metal-filled gap along the rim of one or more planchets, resulting in a raised bump along the coin’s rim.

Larger, dramatic rim cud errors are more eye-catching and will generally command higher prices. This error can boost your nickel’s value by $20-$100.

4. 1867 Shield Nickel Die Crack Error

Cracked dies were a major issue during the production of the 1867 nickel. As such, die crack errors are quite common in this series.

A die crack happens when cracks form on the die’s surface and are gradually filled with small metal pieces. As the die strikes, the metal-filled cracks leave their impression on the planchet, resulting in raised lines on the coin’s surface.

Large, unique die cracks are usually more valuable and can increase your nickel’s value by $20-$50.

Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money

 

Where to Sell Your 1867 Nickel?

Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons. 

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

FAQs

How much is an 1867 nickel worth today?

Depending on whether your 1867 nickel is a Rays or No Rays variety, the coin can be worth anything between $25 to $9,000 or more. Other factors such as the condition and scarcity will also influence the coin’s value.

What is the difference between 1867 Shield Nickel with rays and no rays?

The major difference between these two 1867 nickel varieties lie in the reverse design. As the name suggests, “with rays” means that the stars in the reverse are separated by what appear like the image of sun rays. These were the early 1867 nickels struck before the design was changed to “no rays” in which the sun rays were removed from the reverse design. Only a few “rays” shield nickels dated 1867 were minted, making them more valuable and in high-demand than the “no rays” variety.

What makes an 1867 nickel rare?

An 1867 nickel would be considered rare if it has the Rays design on the reverse. The Mint struck only a few of these coins before completely getting rid of the design in early 1867. Due to their rarity, these coins can command high prices even in lower grades, although Mint State, uncirculated 1867 Rays nickels are more desirable.