1882 Shield Nickel

Denomination: Five Cents

Type: Shield Nickel (1866 - 1883)

Variety: Type 2, No Rays (1867 - 1883)

Year: 1882

Designer: James Barton Longacre

Weight: 5.00 grams

Diameter: 20.50 millimeters

Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Edge: Plain

Please see photos for details.

The Shield Nickel was the first United States 5 cent piece to be made out of copper-nickel, the same alloy used today for American nickels. Designed by James B. Longacre, issued from 1866 until 1883, when it was replaced by the Liberty Head Nickel.

In 1866 the coin was designed with rays between the stars on the reverse. Some of the pieces minted in 1867 have the same details, but later the rays were eliminated, creating two varieties for that year. There was no further change in the type until it was replaced by the Liberty Head design in 1883. Only Proof pieces were struck in 1877 and 1878.

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.