How much is a 1871 shield nickel worth today? Is it worth collecting? Whether buying or selling, these are probably some of the questions at the top of your mind about this shield nickel. Our guide will explain everything you need to know about the 1871 shield nickel value.
We’ll walk you through the origins of the shield nickel, features of the 1871 issue, and reveal tips for grading your nickel like a pro. You’ll also discover high-value minting errors worth good money.
Let’s get started and find out: How much is a 1871 shield nickel worth?
1871 Shield Nickel Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1871-No Mint Mark Shield Nickel Value | $110 | $195 | $375 | $5,750 |
| 1871 Proof Shield Nickel Value | – | – | – | $6,150 |
History of the 1871 Shield Nickel
The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent coin in the United States to be struck from a copper-nickel alloy. The design was minted from 1866 to 1883, after which it was replaced by the Liberty Head nickel. This was, however, not the first time the United States Mint had struck a five-cent coin; since 1792, the Mint had produced silver five-cent pieces, but these were referred to as half dimes.
One of the consequences of the American Civil War was the loss of American coinage from circulation. But in 1864, as the War came to an end, Congress began re-introducing new coins, first by eliminating the three-cent note and replacing it with two-cent coins and bronze cents. The new cents were popular for a while before fading from circulation again. The following year, in 1865, Congress authorized the mint to produce a three-cent coin made from a mix of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Initially, James Pollock, the Mint’s Director, was skeptical about minting coins in a copper-nickel alloy, but after seeing how popular the copper-nickel three-cent piece had become, he proposed that the Mint strike a five-cent piece in the same alloy to replace the unpopular five-cent note. Pollock presented a bill authorizing the introduction of the new five-cent coin; the bill passed without opposition in May 1866, paving the way for production.
In the interest of time, the Mint’s Chief Engraver, James B. Longacre, who had already produced pattern coins for the new coins while the bill was in Congress, repurposed these coins to fast-track the production process. The pattern coins were based on the two-cent piece Longacre had designed years earlier, and all he did was repurpose this old design for the new coins. He did so by moving the two arrows to the bottom of the shield, removing the scroll on which the motto IN GOD WE TRUST had been inscribed, and including a cross at the top of the shield. The reverse simply featured the number 5 surrounded by stars, which were separated by rays, but after proving to be too difficult to strike, the design was changed in 1867, when the rays were eliminated.
Toward the end of 1869, the Mint had produced enough nickels, and production declined steadily. As such, the 1871 Shield nickel has a lower mintage than previous issues. It is also worth noting that another reason for the decline in production is that in 1871, Congress passed a new piece of legislation that allowed the Treasury to reissue small coins that were brought in for redemption. Before this, these minor coins were not easily redeemable, and the Treasury destroyed those that were brought for redemption. The 1871 issue is relatively scarce in all circulated grades, while Mint State and Gem examples are rare, but finding genuinely nice pieces is far easier than in previous issues, where poor strike quality was the norm.
Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money
Features of the 1871 Shield Nickel
We’ll now explore the key features of the 1871 shield nickel. By knowing these features, you can authenticate and grade your coin more accurately and better at identifying high-value shield nickels worth adding to your collection.
Here are the features worth noting:
Obverse of the 1871 Shield Nickel
The “heads” features a shield from which the coin’s design gets its name. The shield espouses a weapon of defense symbolizing self-protection and strength through the unity of the federal and state governments.
The horizontal lines on the upper area of the shield are also known as the “chief” and represent Congress, while the vertical lines on the lower part of the shield are symbolic of the state.
The arrows at the bottom emerging from behind the shield symbolize non-aggression but also a readiness to defend. At the same time, the laurel branches represent victory while the cross or patee at the top is a sign of authority as vested in the federal government.
Reverse of the 1871 Shield Nickel
The “tails” features a simpler design showcasing the number 5 surrounded by thirteen stars, which represent the original states that joined the Union.
The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are etched in an arc at the top along the rim, while the denomination, shown as CENTS, is etched at the bottom.
Similar to the obverse, small denticles decorate the rim on the reverse.
Other Features of the 1871 Shield Nickel
Additional features of the 1871 shield nickel worth noting are:
- Diameter: 20.50 millimeters
- Weight: 00 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Metal Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickel Worth Money
1871 Shield Nickel Value Guides
So, how much is the 1871 shield nickel? The value depends on the coin’s condition and its rarity. We’ll look at the two varieties of the 1871 shield nickel:
- 1871 Regular Strike Shield Nickel
- 1871 Proof Shield Nickel
Let’s find out how much each is worth:
1871 Regular Strike Shield Nickel Value
About 561,000 shield nickels were minted at the Philadelphia Mint in 1871, a much lower mintage than in previous years. Circulated survivors are scarce in all grades, making this one of the most in-demand shield nickel dates. The number of certified Mint State survivors is even lower and genuinely rare in grade MS66 and higher. Compared to previous dates, the strike quality on the 1871 shield nickels is much better, but there’s the occasional weakness, especially at the center and on the stars on the reverse.
Here’s a breakdown of the values:
- Circulated Examples: These are scarce in all grades, but the population drastically declines in Very Fine (VF) condition and higher. Although many lower-grade survivors show heavy wear, they’re still worth more than face value and can be a nice addition to any collection. Examples in Poor/Average condition can sell for up to $75, Good (G) can fetch up to $110, while Fine (F) ones are worth about $195. Extremely Fine (XF) examples are rare, selling for as much as $375, while About Uncirculated (AU58) examples are worth at least $675.
- Mint State Examples: Uncirculated 1871 shield nickels are rare and command high prices, especially in higher grades. In MS60, examples can sell for as much as $725, but the prices can double to $1,250 in MS63. Rare survivors in MS64 can command as much as $2,000, while genuinely rare MS65 examples are worth about $3,000 and as much as $5,750 for Gems graded MS66.
- Auction Record: In a 2005 sale, Heritage Auctions sold an MS66 for a record-shattering $9,600, making this one of the most valuable 1871 shield nickels.
1871 Proof Shield Nickel Value
About 1200-1500 proof shield nickels were minted in Philadelphia in 1871, with an estimated 960 sold in complete silver sets. While regular shield nickels had a much better strike quality than in previous years, the opposite is seen on the proof version.
The Mint applied crude die-polishing methods on dies used to strike 1871 proofs. The fields show irregular mint luster and deep abrasion lines, significantly lowering the value of these otherwise scarce proof coins that had the potential to command premium prices in all grades.
Whether selling or buying, here’s what to expect from the value of the 1871 shield nickel:
- Proofs: Regular proofs are more common than their cameo and deep cameo counterparts, but the strike quality is notably lower than what one might expect of a proof coin. In PF60, examples are worth about $220 and up to $460 in PF63. Pieces graded PF64 can sell for at least $575, while gems in PF66 can fetch up to $1,400 and as much as $4,500 in PF67. In 2012, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a PR67 for a record-shattering $11,750.
- Cameos (CAM): Cameo examples of the 1871 shield nickel are scarce but still collectible in all grades. In PF63, examples can sell for up to $550 and as much as $950 in PF65, but prices rise significantly in PF67, where specimens command as much as $6,150. Goldberg Auctioneers sold one of the most valuable 1871 shield nickel (CAM) graded PF67 in 2007 for a whopping $12,075.
- Deep Cameos (DCAM): These Gems are genuinely rare and command premiums. Examples are commonly found in PF65 and higher, with prices starting at $3,500 in PF65 to at least $5,000 in PF66. In a record-breaking sale in 2021, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a PF68DCAM for an impressive $28,800.
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money
1871 Shield Nickel Grading
Grading shield nickels, including the 1871 issue, can be challenging because of the poor strike quality that characterizes this series. When grading, examine the wear, design details, strike quality, and surface quality.
Assess the high contact points that were the fastest, including the cross, shield, laurel leaves, arrows, and the inscriptions on the obverse. On the reverse, examine the stars and number 5, as well as the inscriptions. Extensive wear and flatness point to a lower grade, while higher grade specimens will have clearer details and bolder outlines.
Examine the surface quality, too. On higher grade coins, the mint luster will be intact, and the surface will have few if any signs of damage, such as dings and scratches. These surface damages are, however, common on lower-grade coins.
Check out this video for more tips on grading Shield Nickels.
Rare 1871 Shield Nickel Errors List
The shield nickel series is known for its poor-quality strike and the use of numerous die pairings, which have resulted in several minting errors and varieties. Not all minting errors are worth collecting, but some are definitely valuable and can make a nice addition to any collection.
Here are notable 1871 shield nickel errors worth a spot in your collection:
1. 1871 Shield Nickel Re-Punched Date Error
The minting process in the 18th and 19th centuries was largely manual. Dates were manually punched into the die and would be re-punched if there was an error or the first punch wasn’t strong enough. This would sometimes lead to the date being re-punched several times at slightly different positions, resulting in a re-punched minting error.
A re-punched date error appears like an overlapping of one or more digits of the date, causing visible doubling or a ghost outline. Depending on its clarity, a re-punched date error can be worth $50-$100. For example, in 2010, a collector on eBay paid $240 for a 1871 shield nickel graded Very Good (VG) with a re-punched date error.
2. 1871 Shield Nickel Clipped Planchet Error
A clipped planchet error is one in which a small portion is missing or has been cut out from a coin. This happens when the blank planchet is improperly cut from the metal strip, resulting in a clip along the coin’s rim.
There are different types of clipped planchet errors, including the straight, curved, jagged, and incomplete clips. Larger, visible clipped planchet errors are generally more valuable than smaller ones and can be worth $50-$200. For example, in 2015, Stack’s Bowers auctioned a 1871 shield nickel graded Extremely Fine (XF) for $590.
3. 1871 Shield Nickel Off-Center Strike Error
An off-center strike error occurs when the coin blank is not properly centered between the dies during striking, resulting in a design that is shifted away from the center of the coin. This happens when the planchet is misaligned in the collar before the dies come together, causing part of the design to be missing while leaving a blank crescent-shaped area on the opposite side.
Off-center strikes are measured by the percentage of the design that is missing, ranging from slight shifts of 5-10% to dramatic errors of 50% or more. The value of off-center strikes generally increases with the percentage of misalignment, though coins that retain a full date are typically more desirable. Minor off-center strikes of 10-20% on 1871 Shield nickels can be worth $100-$300, while more dramatic examples exceeding 40% off-center can command $500-$1,000 or more. For instance, in 2019, Heritage Auctions sold an 1871 Shield nickel with a 35% off-center strike graded About Uncirculated (AU) for $780.
Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money
Where to Sell Your 1871 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 1871 shield nickel worth today?
The value of a 1871 shield nickel depends on its condition and rarity. In circulated condition, prices range from $75 to $675, but uncirculated, pristine examples (which are genuinely rare) can sell for up to $5,750 or more.
Is a 1871 shield nickel silver?
No. 1871 shiel nickels are not silver. Shield nickels were the first five-cent pieces the United States Mint struck in a copper-nickel alloy. These coins have a silverish appearance, not because of any silver content, but due to the nickel in the metal composition.
Is a 1871 shield nickel rare?
Yes. 1871 shield nickels are scarce to rare in all grades. First, these coins are more than 200 years old, so many were lost or damaged, shrinking the population of surviving examples. That said, circulated examples are more common up to the Fine (F) condition, after which the population dwindled. Mint State and Gems are genuinely rare; although they command premium prices, they can be difficult to collect, and prices can be quite prohibitive for the ordinary collector.
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