1870 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1870 Shield Nickel is old enough to carry genuine scarcity, yet accessible enough that dedicated collectors can still find examples without too much difficulty.

That said, condition makes a significant difference in what you’ll pay. A circulated No Mint Mark piece in Good grade starts around $44, while an uncirculated example can reach over $1,000. Proof versions, made specifically for collectors, also tend to command a notable premium.

Knowing the 1870 nickel value across grades and varieties helps you make smarter decisions, whether you’re evaluating a potential purchase or assessing what you already have.

 

1870 Nickel Value By Variety

The chart below breaks down the 1870 nickel value by type and grade. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1870 Nickel Worth Money

Among the most valuable 1870 nickels recorded since 2005, a few standout examples show just how much grade and variety can influence price.

At the top is the 1870 PR67CAM, which sold for $14,400, making it the highest-recorded sale in this chart. Close behind is the 1870 MS66 at $10,281, a remarkable result for a circulation-strike coin reaching such an exceptional grade.

Rounding out the top three is the 1870 PR66CAM at $4,113. It’s worth noting that all three of these top results are Proof or high-grade Mint State coins, which reflects a broader pattern: the finest examples tend to attract the most serious collector interest.

The remaining entries on the chart still represent strong values, with several examples crossing the $3,000 mark. For collectors, this range of results is a useful reminder that even modest upgrades in grade can translate into meaningful differences in value.

 

History of the 1870 Nickel

The Shield Nickel began with an act of Congress — specifically, the Act of May 16, 1866, which authorized the new copper-nickel five-cent coin. The first examples came off the coining presses at the Philadelphia Mint just weeks later, in June 1866.

The driving force behind the Shield Nickel wasn’t purely a public need. Industrialist Joseph Wharton — the same man whose name graces the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania — held a near-monopoly on nickel mining in the United States and lobbied Congress aggressively to include nickel in the country’s coinage. His influence extended so far that Congress even required the coin to be heavier than the Mint had originally planned, which conveniently meant the government needed to purchase more nickel.

The coin was designed by James B. Longacre, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, who based the design on his earlier two-cent piece. Numismatic author Q. David Bowers has called Longacre’s obverse “one of the most patriotic motifs in American coinage.” Not everyone agreed at the time — the American Journal of Numismatics famously described it as “the ugliest of all known coins,” and even Wharton himself criticized the shield’s appearance.

By 1870, the United States was well into the Reconstruction era. The economy was gradually stabilizing, and demand for circulating coinage remained steady as trade and daily transactions picked up across the country. The 1870 nickel was minted against this backdrop of cautious recovery and growing economic activity.

One interesting historical footnote: the 1870 Shield Nickel actually circulated alongside the silver half dime, a smaller five-cent silver coin that wasn’t fully retired until 1873. For three years, two different five-cent coins existed side by side in everyday commerce.

By 1870, the Philadelphia Mint had also refined its die-preparation process. According to research by PCGS numismatic historians, the working dies from 1870 onward were more carefully basined (polished) than those of earlier years, resulting in better strike quality and more lustrous coins — including some coins with prooflike surfaces even among circulation strikes.

The 1870 issue also marks the beginning of what collectors consider the “second grouping” of Shield nickels, covering 1870 through 1876. This group is at least twice as difficult to find in MS-65 and MS-66 as earlier dates from 1867 to 1869, largely because of the declining mintage figures.

The Shield Nickel continued in production until 1883, when it was replaced by Charles E. Barber’s Liberty Head Nickel. Over its roughly 17-year run, it served as a workhorse of American commerce during one of the most transformative periods in the nation’s history.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is Your 1870 Nickel Rare?

Check the rarity score of your 1870 nickel instantly with the Coin Value Checker App.

 

Key Features of the 1870 Nickel

Next, we’ll look at the standout features of the 1870 shield nickel. By familiarizing yourself with these physical attributes, you can grade your coins more accurately and even spot 1870 shield nickels worth money.

The Obverse of the 1870 Nickel

The obverse features a shield, symbolic of strength and self-defense through unity. The top part of the shield, also known as the “chief,” represents Congress, while the 13 vertical lines symbolize the original 13 states. The shield, therefore, represents the strength of the federal government through the states’ unity.

Two crossed arrows emerge from the bottom of the shield and symbolize readiness to defend the nation while also representing nonaggression. The laurel leaves, hanging from either side of the shield, are symbolic of victory.

The Reverse of the 1870 Nickel

The reverse features a simple design showing the number 5 at the center surrounded by thirteen stars, representing the original 13 colonies.

The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched around the upper half of the coin, while the denomination, inscribed as CENTS, is displayed at the bottom. The two inscriptions are separated by two periods.

Other Features of the 1870 Nickel

Additional features worth noting are:

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

It’s worth noting that this 75/25 copper-nickel alloy is extremely hard, which is exactly why it gave the Mint so many production headaches. The hardness caused frequent die cracking and was the primary reason the Mint removed the rays from the reverse design back in 1867 — fewer design elements meant less striking pressure needed, which helped dies last longer.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

1870 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The survival data for the 1870 nickel highlights a clear contrast between the regular strike and the Proof issues. Of the 4,806,000 coins struck for everyday use, only around 6,000 are estimated to have survived, giving it a survival rate of just 0.1248%.

Proof coins, by comparison, have fared much better. With a smaller original production run, approximately 80% are believed to still exist today, which reflects how carefully these collector-intended pieces were preserved over the years.

The CAM variety also had a limited production run, but its survival count remains unknown, making it difficult to assess just how many are still out there. That uncertainty, combined with its scarcity, makes it one of the more elusive examples in the 1870 nickel series.

One additional piece of context worth knowing: proof mintages for Shield Nickels struck before 1878 are modern estimates, not official figures. According to numismatic researcher Q. David Bowers, the 1870 proof mintage is generally placed around 1,000 pieces, but the actual number struck is not definitively recorded. Some proofs were also restrikes made from original dies after the official production date, a practice the Mint quietly engaged in for favored collectors.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1870 Nickel Value

A coin’s value comes down to two key factors: the variety you have and the condition it’s in. For the 1870 nickel, pay close attention to the sharpness of the shield’s details, the clarity of the stars on the reverse, and any signs of wear on the high points of the design.

Getting an accurate grade is what truly pins down the value, and that’s where having the right tool makes a real difference. The Coin Value Checker App makes it easy to check your coin’s grade and estimated value directly.

 

1870 Nickel Value Guides

The 1870 nickel comes in three distinct varieties, each sitting at a different point on the rarity scale and appealing to collectors for different reasons.

• 1870 No Mint Mark Nickel
• 1870 Proof Nickel
• 1870 CAM Nickel

The standard strike was made for everyday use, while the Proof and CAM varieties were specially produced for collectors, with greater attention to surface quality and finish. Understanding which variety you have is an important first step, as each one carries a different value range and level of scarcity.

 

1870 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1870 No Mint Mark Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint for everyday use, and most surviving examples show the kind of wear you’d expect from a coin that spent years in active circulation. That’s exactly what makes higher-grade survivors stand out.

Grade plays a major role in how this coin is valued. Circulated examples are generally affordable, with worn pieces available for under $100. But as condition improves, prices rise sharply: an MS65 can fetch over $1,750, and a gem-grade MS66 sold for $10,281 at auction in 2020 — a result documented by Legend Rare Coins Auctions.

It’s also worth knowing that the 1870 No Mint Mark is one of the tougher dates to find in top condition within the entire Shield Nickel series. According to PCGS grading historians, the 1870 belongs to a second tier of Shield Nickel dates (covering 1870–1876) that are at least twice as difficult to find in MS-65 and MS-66 compared to earlier 1867–1869 issues. No example has ever been certified MS-67 by PCGS.

The chart below traces how auction prices for the 1870 No Mint Mark Nickel have shifted over the years.

The market activity chart below gives you a closer look at how this coin has been trading in recent months.

 

1870 Proof Nickel Value

The 1870 Proof Nickel was made specifically for collectors, with a more refined finish and sharper details than coins intended for circulation. One thing worth knowing is that some 1870 proofs show signs of abrasive polishing from the production process, which can affect their surface quality and ultimately their value.

The estimated mintage of around 1,000 proof pieces makes this a genuinely scarce collectible, though collectors should also be aware that some examples may be restrikes — genuine coins made from original dies after the official striking date, a documented (if unofficial) practice at the Philadelphia Mint during this era.

Pricing for this variety reflects a fairly wide range depending on condition. Lower-grade examples in PR60 start around $350, while a PR65 can reach $825. In PR66, a Stack’s Bowers auction result of $3,163 shows the kind of premium that collectors are willing to pay for a proof coin at an elite grade.

That jump from entry-level to gem quality is substantial, and it makes condition a key factor when evaluating what this coin is worth.

The auction record chart below documents how prices for the 1870 Proof Nickel have moved over the years.

The market activity table below reflects how this variety has been trading in recent months.

 

1870 CAM Nickel Value

The 1870 CAM Nickel is a proof coin that takes things a step further with frosted surfaces on the design elements set against a mirrored background — a combination that is noticeably harder to find than a standard proof. “CAM” stands for Cameo, and it describes that frosted-devices-on-mirror-fields appearance that makes these coins so visually striking.

According to auction and pricing records, cameo examples become genuinely scarce at the gem level, and the finest survivors are essentially nonexistent for this date.

That scarcity is evident in the prices. A PR63 CAM starts around $600, while a PR65 runs closer to $1,250. At the top of the scale, a PR67 CAM brought $14,400 in 2020 — the highest recorded sale for any 1870 nickel variety, and a strong testament to how much collectors value the combination of cameo surfaces and an elite grade.

The auction record chart below captures the key sales data for this variety across different grades and years.

Take a look at the market activity chart to see how this variety has been performing recently.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1870 Nickel Error List

Error coins from 1870 add an extra layer of depth to the series. The production methods of the era left room for dies to be misaligned, mishandled, or punched more than once, and several documented varieties from this date reflect exactly that.

It helps to understand why Shield Nickels in particular produced so many errors: the 75/25 copper-nickel alloy was extremely hard and wore out dies rapidly. Mint workers rushed to prepare replacement dies, and the resulting haste created doubled impressions, repunched digits, and other varieties that are actively hunted by collectors today. The Cherrypickers’ Guide by Fivaz and Stanton documents many of these die varieties and is the standard reference used by specialists.

For collectors, these errors can carry a meaningful premium over standard examples, with grade and the visibility of the error being the two biggest factors in how much that premium amounts to.

1. 1870 Nickel Doubled Die Obverse

The 1870 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) occurs when the die was hubbed more than once at a slight misalignment, transferring the design in two overlapping impressions. A doubled die is different from a double strike — it happens during die manufacture, not coin striking, which means every coin produced from that die carries the same doubling. On this coin, the doubling is most visible on the shield’s lines and lettering, and it typically requires magnification to spot clearly.

The strength and visibility of the doubling have a direct impact on value. A faintly doubled example in circulated condition will trade close to a standard strike, while a sharper, higher-grade example can attract considerably more collector attention. Heritage Auctions sold a 1870 Shield Nickel in MS63 with an obverse double-struck error for $700 in 2021, giving collectors a useful benchmark.

2. 1870 Nickel Doubled Die Reverse

The 1870 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) shows hub doubling on the reverse, where the die received a second impression at a slight offset. The effect appears on the numeral “5,” the surrounding stars, and in some cases on the reverse inscriptions, where letters may show a subtle but detectable secondary image.

As with other doubled die varieties, the degree of doubling matters. More pronounced examples — where the shift in the design elements is clearly visible under a loupe — tend to generate more interest than those where the doubling is marginal. Grade also plays a significant role; a well-preserved example with strong doubling will consistently outperform a worn one, even if the same variety designation applies to both.

3. 1870 Nickel Repunched Date

The 1870 Repunched Date (FS-301) occurs when one or more digits in the date were punched into the die more than once, leaving a secondary impression alongside the primary numeral. On this variety, the repunching is most visible on specific digits in the date and typically shows as a ghost-like shadow just off the main figure.

Repunched dates were common throughout the Shield Nickel series because dies wore out so quickly that Mint workers punched dates rapidly under time pressure, sometimes misaligning the logotype on the first strike. Visibility is the key driver of value here. An example where the repunching is sharp and easy to identify under magnification will attract more interest than one where wear has made the secondary impression faint or unclear.

 

Where to Sell Your 1870 Nickel?

Whether you’re holding a circulated strike or a high-grade proof, knowing what your 1870 nickel is worth is a solid starting point. If you’re thinking about selling, I’ve put together a list of trusted platforms, complete with an overview, pros, and cons for each.

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

 

FAQ about the 1870 Nickel

1. How much is an 1870 nickel worth?

It depends on the variety and condition. A circulated No Mint Mark example in Good grade starts around $44, while an uncirculated piece can reach over $1,000. Proof versions carry a notable premium, with a PR66 having sold for $3,163. At the very top, the 1870 PR67 CAM brought $14,400 at auction in 2020 — the record sale for any 1870 nickel.

2. How do I know if I have a Proof or a regular strike 1870 nickel?

Proof coins were made with specially prepared dies and planchets, giving them sharper details and a mirror-like surface that regular strikes don’t have. If your coin has a reflective background and crisp, well-defined design elements, it may be a Proof. However, be aware that some 1870 circulation strikes have prooflike surfaces due to carefully polished dies — when in doubt, submit the coin to PCGS or NGC for professional attribution.

3. Are 1870 nickel errors worth collecting?

Yes, documented errors like the Doubled Die Obverse, Doubled Die Reverse, Repunched Date (FS-301), and overdate varieties can carry a meaningful premium over standard examples. The degree of visibility matters most — Heritage Auctions sold a 1870 MS63 with an obverse double-struck error for $700 in 2021, while a 1870 overdate in MS63 brought $950 at Legend Rare Coins Auctions in 2008.

4. Why is the 1870 Shield Nickel harder to find in high grades than earlier Shield Nickels?

The 1870 begins a second tier of Shield Nickel dates (1870–1876) that are at least twice as difficult to find in MS-65 and MS-66 as the 1867–1869 dates. The main reason is mintage: at just under 4.9 million coins struck, the 1870 had a significantly lower production run than the early-series years. No 1870 business strike has ever been graded MS-67 by PCGS, making top-pop examples exceptionally rare.

5. Who designed the Shield Nickel, and why does the design look the way it does?

James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, designed the Shield Nickel in 1866. He based it on his earlier two-cent piece, adapting it quickly because production was authorized by Congress with little lead time. The shield on the obverse is drawn from the Great Seal of the United States, symbolizing the federal government’s strength through the unity of the states.

6. What is a CAM designation, and why does it make the 1870 nickel more valuable?

CAM stands for Cameo, a designation given to proof coins where the raised design elements have a frosted finish contrasting against a mirror-like background field. This combination is harder to achieve and preserve than a standard proof surface, so fewer coins receive the CAM designation. A 1870 PR67 CAM sold for $14,400 in 2020, compared to a standard PR66 proof that might bring around $3,163 — that’s a massive premium for the cameo designation.

7. Was Joseph Wharton really responsible for the Shield Nickel?

He played a significant role. Joseph Wharton — the industrialist whose name is on the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania — had a near-monopoly on nickel mining in the U.S. and lobbied Congress to include nickel in coinage. His influence was so strong that Congress actually increased the coin’s weight beyond what the Mint had requested, requiring the government to purchase more nickel. The Act of May 16, 1866 authorized the coin, and the first examples were struck at Philadelphia in June of that year.

8. How can I tell if my 1870 Shield Nickel has a repunched date?

The Repunched Date (FS-301) shows a secondary impression on one or more digits in the date, visible as a ghost-like shadow or extra outline just off the main numeral. You’ll need at least a 5x to 10x loupe or magnifier to spot it clearly. The stronger and more visible the secondary impression, the more valuable the variety. Circulated coins where wear has smoothed the date area may not show clear repunching even if the underlying die variety exists.

9. Did the 1870 Shield Nickel circulate at the same time as the silver half dime?

Yes — one of the more fascinating footnotes about the 1870 Shield Nickel is that it actually circulated alongside the silver half dime, a smaller five-cent silver coin. Both denominations had the same face value and were legal tender simultaneously. The half dime wasn’t finally retired until 1873, meaning for three years, Americans could receive change in either form of five-cent coin.

10. What is the best way to store and protect an 1870 Shield Nickel?

For circulated examples, a non-PVC flip or cardboard 2×2 holder is adequate. For higher-value specimens — particularly Mint State or Proof examples — third-party grading and encapsulation by PCGS or NGC is the recommended approach. The coin’s 75% copper content means it is susceptible to environmental toning and surface changes over time; storing in a cool, low-humidity environment away from airborne contaminants helps preserve original surfaces. Never clean a Shield Nickel — even light cleaning can dramatically reduce its grade and value.