1869 Shield Nickel Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Have you come across an 1869 Shield nickel and are curious about its worth? Perhaps you are building your collection and wondering about the 1869 Shield nickel value and whether it is worth a closer look. You’ve come to the right place! This article will explain everything you need to know about this early coin.

We’ll go over the nickel’s fascinating history, its features, and how to grade it. You’ll also learn how to spot high-value minting errors and determine the coin’s market value.

So, let’s jump in and find out: How much is an 1869 Shield nickel worth?

1869 Shield Nickel Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1869-No Mint Mark Shield Nickel Value	$30	$50	$100	$4,000
1869 Proof Shield Nickel Value	–	–	–	$4,400

 

 

History of the 1869 Shield Nickel

The Shield Nickel is one of the earliest coins struck by the United States Mint. This copper-nickel coin was designed by James B. Longacre and produced from 1866 to 1833, after which it was replaced by the Liberty Head nickel.

The Mint first struck half dimes, known as half dismes at the time, in 1792. These early coins were minted in silver at a ratio of 89.2 Silver to 10.8 Copper. However, most American coins disappeared from circulation in the wake of the economic recession caused by the Civil War.

In 1864, as the economy recovered, Congress began bringing coins back into circulation. New cents and two-cent pieces struck from bronze were introduced and instantly became popular, but soon vanished from circulation again.

The following year, Congress authorized the Mint to strike three-cent coins in 75% Copper and 25% Nickel. These, too, were well received, so much so that Mint Director James Pollock proposed the introduction of a five-cent coin struck in the same copper-nickel alloy. He presented a bill to Congress, and in May 1866, it passed without much opposition.

The new coins needed to be minted immediately, and there was no time to create a new design. The Mint’s Chief Engraver, James Longacre, made a few changes to the two-cent piece he had designed earlier to be used on the obverse of the new five-cent piece. For the reverse, he proposed a design that prominently features the number 5 at the center, encircled by thirteen stars—the Treasury Secretary, Hugh McCulloch, approved the obverse and reverse design, paving the way for production.

The public and officials had highly anticipated the new coin, but early in the process, it proved difficult to produce, mostly due to the design. So, in 1867, the Mint adjusted the design slightly, hoping to minimize some of the production problems, but this wasn’t very successful.

Toward the end of 1869, the Mint had produced enough five-cent nickels to meet demand, and production declined steadily. This was the last year that production of nickels passed the 10-million mark. This date is plentiful in circulated condition, and enough examples exist to meet the demand for Mint State specimens. If you are building your early coin collection, the 1869 shield nickel is worth considering—it is an easy yet valuable addition to any set.

Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money

 

Features of the 1869 Shield Nickel

Let’s now look at the features of the 1869 Shield nickel. By knowing these physical attributes, you can grade and authenticate your coins and quickly identify Shield nickels worth money.

Obverse of the 1869 Shield Nickel

The front features a shield based on the Great Seal of the United States’ coat of arms. The shield itself is symbolic of self-protection and defense.

The upper part, also known as the chief, features horizontal lines and represents Congress, while the lower section displays thirteen vertical lines, which symbolize the original states. The entire shield represents the federal government’s leadership over the states, which together epitomize strength and unity.

Two crossed arrows emerge at the bottom from behind the shield and are symbolic of non-aggression but also a readiness to defend the nation. The laurel branches, hanging from either side of the shield, represent victory.

Reverse of the 1869 Shield Nickel

The reverse features a simpler design showing the number 5 dominantly etched at the center of the coin. The number is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the states.

The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are inscribed in an arch at the top, while the denomination, CENTS, is shown at the bottom. Two periods, separating the two words, appear at the bottom on either side of the coin’s surface.

Similar to the obverse, small denticles adorn the rim on the reverse.

Other Features of the 1869 Shield Nickel

Additional notable features of the 1869 Shield nickel include:

• 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

 

1869 Shield Nickel Value

So, how much is the 1869 Shield nickel? The value will depend on the coin’s condition and rarity. The Mint in Philadelphia struck about 16,395,000 Shield nickels in 1869, the final year in the entire Shield nickel series to witness such a high mintage.

Owing to the high mintage, circulated survivors of the 1869 Shield nickel are common across all grades. Mint State specimens are also plentiful up to MS64, and although gems are generally scarce, a few examples do exist.

Here’s a breakdown of the values:

Circulated Examples: These are common across all grades but become noticeably scarce at the Extremely Fine (XF) grade. That said, lower grades are affordable and accessible to any collector. Survivors graded Poor/Average are plentiful, with most selling for $20, while those graded Good (G) will bring in slightly more at $30. A Shield nickel graded Fine (F) is worth about $50, while an Extremely Fine example will fetch up to $100. Although desirable, About Uncirculated (AU58) examples are scarce, selling for at least $175.

Mint State Examples: Examples of 1869 Shield nickels in Mint State are common but remain fewer than in previous years. With millions of Shield nickels already in circulation, the 1869 issue did not circulate as much and instead remained in collections. As such, there are enough uncirculated specimens to meet collector demand; these pieces are generally affordable, too. At grade MS60, examples will sell for as much as $200 and up to $300 for an MS63, while an MS64 will command up to $500. Gems graded MS65 are scarce to rare, which is reflected in their prices. At MS65 expect as much as $900 a piece while an MS66 will sell for up to $2,000.

Auction Record: In 2013, Stack’s Bowers auctioned an MS66+ for an impressive $11,750, making this one of the most valuable 1869 Shield nickels to date.

1869 Proof Shield Nickel Value

In addition to regular circulation nickels, the Philadelphia Mint also struck about 600 proofs. Proof nickels have sharp, well-defined, frosted devices (design elements) and shiny, reflective, and satiny surfaces that stand out from the regular business strikes.

So, how much are 1869 proof shield nickels worth? Here’s what to expect:

Regular Proofs: Average quality proofs are generally common and accessible to any collector, only becoming scarce at PF65 and higher. At PF60, examples are worth about $230, while those graded PF62 will sell for up to $290. At PF65, expect at least $850, while a rare PF67 will sell for up to $4,400.

Cameo and Deep Cameo: Cameos are very rare and in high demand. Most examples are found in grade PF63 and will sell for at least $400, while a PF65 is valued at about $1,050. An extremely rare PF67 will command prices as high as $11,000.

Auction Record: In a record-breaking sale in 2022, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a PR68 for a remarkable $19,200. The same auction house sold a cameo proof in 2013, graded PF67 for $15,863.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money

 

1869 Shield Nickel Grading

The 1869 Shield nickels are generally well-struck, although many survivors are heavily worn due to age and environmental damage. Grading your Shield nickel involves examining the high contact points for wear, checking for luster, and paying attention to the strike quality.

High contact points are the first to show wear and can give you a hint about a coin’s grade. On the obverse, inspect the shield’s outline, pattee at the top, the horizontal and vertical lines, and laurel leaves. A strong outline, bold and sharp details point to a higher grade, while weakness or fading are signs of a lower grade coin. On the reverse, examine the number 5 and stars, which should be crisp and bold in higher grade coins.

Lower grade Shield nickels have lost most of their mint luster and show significant damage, including scratches, dings, and corrosion. Pieces with mint luster are rare but of a higher grade and most desirable.

Check out this video if you want more tips on how to grade Shield nickels.

 

Rare 1869 Shield Nickel Errors List

Early coins, including the 1869 Shield nickel, were minted using a manual, more meticulous process, resulting in fewer minting errors. That said, some notable minting errors show up in the 1869 issue, and these can be worth adding to your collection.

Here are 1869 Shield nickel errors to watch out for:

1. 1869 Shield Nickel Re-Punched Date Error

Re-punched date errors are common in early coins, such as the 1869 Shield nickel, because dates were manually punched onto the die.

If the first strike was misaligned or not strong enough, the date would be re-punched. This second strike might land at a slightly different position from the first strike, resulting in the first and second strikes overlapping.

On 1869 Shield nickels, there might be some doubling on any of the digits, but more so on the 6 and 9. In 2020, a collector paid $100 for a 1869 Shield nickel graded Very Fine (VF) with a re-punched date error.

2. 1869 Shield Nickel Doubled Die Error

A doubled die error occurs when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles. This results in visible doubling on some of the design elements and inscriptions.

For example, doubling may be visible on the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and CENTS on the reverse. The stronger the doubling, the more valuable the error tends to be.

In 2011, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a rare 1869 Shield nickel graded Extremely Fine (XF) with an obverse and reverse doubled die error for an impressive $200.

3. 1869 Shield Nickel Off-Center Strike Error

 Another error that shows up on the 1869 Shield nickels is the off-center strike, which occurs when the die strikes the planchet away from the center and more toward the edge.

This error occurs when the planchet and die are misaligned, so instead of the design appearing at the center, it shifts further away toward the rim. Some coins display only a slight misalignment, while the error is obvious and dramatic on others.

A 1869 Shield nickel with a 20% off-center strike is generally more valuable than one with a 5% error. In a 2015 auction, Heritage Auctions sold an MS60 with a 35% off-center error for $350.

4. 1869 Shield Nickel Die Crack Error

Many 1869 Shield nickels have die cracks on their surface, which might be attributed to the issue’s high mintage.

A die crack appears like a raised bump on either side of the coin’s surface, caused when cracks appear on the die and are eventually filled with small metal pieces. Larger, dramatic die crack errors are usually more valuable than subtle cracks.

In 2023, an eBay collector paid $270 for a rare About Uncirculated (AU58) with a large die crack error on the obverse, making this a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money

 

Where to Sell Your 1869 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 a 1869 Shield Nickel worth?

Shield nickels from 1869 are fairly affordable in lower grades but command higher prices further up the scale. The 1869 Shield nickel value ranges from as low as $20 to at least $4,440 for uncirculated pieces.

Is a 1869 Shield nickel rare to find?

The 1869 Shield nickels can be rare to find in Mint State and Gem condition. Well-struck, circulated pieces can also be difficult to come by, as many of these coins are heavily worn due to age and environmental exposure. Even though they are scarce, Mint State and Gem 1869 Shield nickels are the most desirable and will add more value to your collection.

Is a 1869 Shield nickel worth collecting?

Yes, 1869 Shield nickels are worth collecting due to their historical significance. Early coins are rare, and owning a piece can potentially boost the value of your collection. Collecting Mint State and Gem examples can be challenging, but it’s also more rewarding.