Collecting Shield Nickels can be as challenging as it is rewarding. These classic coins are moderately scarce and hard to find, but the upside is that they can command significant premiums. If you’re curious about the 1873 shield nickel value, our guide will help!
We’ll answer all your questions about this iconic coin, reveal tips for grading it like a pro, and help you discover high-value minting errors worth a spot in your collection.
So, let’s jump in and find out: How much is a 1873 shield nickel worth?
1873 Shield Nickel Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1873 Closed 3 Shield Nickel Value | $65 | $115 | $225 | $9,000 |
| 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel Value | $50 | $80 | $135 | $7,400 |
History of the 1873 Shield Nickel
The United States Mint first struck the shield nickel in 1866 and continued production until 1883, when the Liberty Head nickel replaced it. This was, however, not the first time the Mint had struck five-cent pieces. As early as 1792, the Mint struck five-cent pieces, also known as half dimes, in silver—in fact, these were the first coins the Mint struck since the beginning of the production of U.S. coinage. However, following the Civil War, most U.S. coins disappeared from circulation, and it was only in 1864 that Congress began restoring the lost coins into circulation.
Some of the new coins that Congress introduced included bronze cents and two-cent pieces designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James Longacre. However, these too vanished from circulation and were replaced by a three-cent piece struck from 75% copper and 25% nickel. The Mint Director, James Pollock, was strongly opposed to the production of any copper-nickel coins but eventually changed his mind following the massive success of the three-cent piece. Pollock became such a strong advocate of striking a new five-cent copper-nickel piece that would replace the increasingly unpopular five-cent piece that he prepared and presented a bill to Congress for approval. The bill was well-received and passed in May 1866.
While the bill awaited authorization, Longacre prepared pattern coins that would enable production of the new coins as soon as possible. His pattern coins for the proposed five-cent piece were based on a two-cent piece he had designed earlier. For the five-cent nickel, Longacre redesigned the two-cent piece, first by moving the two arrows to the bottom of the shield, removing the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST, and adding a cross at the top of the shield. He also designed several reverse variations, but the Treasury Department approved the one with the number 5 encircled by the thirteen stars separated by rays.
Production of the new shield nickel began in 1866 with a slight design change in 1867, where the rays were eliminated to make the coins easier to strike, although this didn’t do much to improve the process. By the end of 1873, the Mint had produced enough copper-nickel five-cent coins to meet commercial demand, and production dropped off steadily.
In 1873, two major varieties of the shield nickel were produced—the closed and open 3. These varieties came about due to differences in the logotype used to strike the date. The serifs on the first logo types were so close to each other that the 3 would be confused for an 8. A new logotype was designed in which the serifs were moved further apart, resulting in the open 3 variety.
Circulated and Mint State examples are relatively rare for this date, making the 1873 shield nickel a valuable addition to any collection.
Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money
Features of the 1873 Shield Nickel
Next, we’ll look at the key features of the 1873 shield nickel, which can help with grading and identifying real nickels from fake ones. By knowing these features, you can also identify shield nickels worth good money.
Here are the standout features to look out for:
Obverse of the 1873 Shield Nickel
The obverse features the prominent shield from which the design’s name originates. The shield represents a defensive weapon and is a symbol of strength in the unity between the federal and state governments. The upper part with horizontal lines represents Congress, while the thirteen vertical lines symbolize the states.
Two crossed arrows protrude from behind the shield at the bottom and represent non-aggression but also a readiness to defend the nation. The cross at the top, intended to be a pattee, is representative of divinity, while the laurel leaves dropping from either side of the shield are a symbol of victory and peace.
Reverse of the 1873 Shield Nickel
The reverse features the number 5, which represents the coin’s denomination. The 5 is surrounded by thirteen stars, which are symbolic of the first thirteen states to join the Union.
The inscriptions, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, are etched at the top along the rim while the denomination, CENTS, is inscribed at the bottom. The two sets of words are separated by two periods on the right and left.
Like the obverse, small, numerous denticles decorate the coin’s rim.
Other Features of the 1873 Shield Nickel
Additional notable features of the 1873 shield nickel 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
1873 Shield Nickel Value Guides
Now, onto the big question: How much is the 1873 shield nickel worth? The value depends on its condition, grade, and rarity. Other factors such as die varieties and minting errors also come into play when determining the coin’s value.
We’ll look at two varieties of the 1873 shield nickel:
- 1873 Closed 3 Shield Nickel
- 1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel
Let’s find out how much each is worth.
1873 Closed 3 Shield Nickel Value
The Philadelphia Mint struck an estimated 436,050 so-called Closed 3 shield nickels in 1873. The Closed 3 variety was the first to be minted and came about as a result of using a date logotype in which the serifs of the 3 were so close that one would easily confuse the 3 for an 8.
Compared to the Open 3 variety minted later in the year, the Closed 3 is scarcer. According to records by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), only 66 examples of the Closed 3 shield nickels have been certified, with most uncirculated examples graded MS-64 and the finest being MS66, three of which have been graded as such.
Here’s what to expect when collecting 1873 Closed 3 shield nickels:
- Circulated Examples: These are somewhat scarce and become increasingly rare starting from About Uncirculated (AU). In Poor/Average condition, examples can sell for as much as $50, while those in Good (G) condition can fetch up to $65. Fine (F) examples are worth up to $115, while those in Extremely Fine (XF) condition can sell for at least $225. About Uncirculated (AU) examples are desirable but somewhat scarce, selling for as much as $525 in AU58.
- Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are very scarce in lower grades and genuinely rare in higher grades. Only three examples are certified as Gems graded MS66. In MS60, examples can sell for as much as $600 and up to $875 in MS62. The price shoots up dramatically in MS63, where examples can sell for as much as $1,300, while extremely rare MS64 specimens fetch up to $2,000, and MS65 pieces command at least $3,000. Gems graded MS66 can command as much as $9,000 or more.
- Auction Record: In a 2022 sale, Legend Rare Coin Auctions sold one of the few MS66+ examples of 1873 Closed 3 shield nickels for a record-breaking $9,988.
1873 Open 3 Shield Nickel Value
Later in 1873, the Mint corrected the date logotype so that the serifs on the 3 were more spaced apart, resulting in the Open 3 shield nickel variety. This later variety is more abundant than the Closed 3 type across all grades.
There are about 500 uncirculated survivors of the 1873 Open 3 shield nickel, with about 150 graded MS64, while most fall in the MS60 to MS63 grade. About 50 examples are graded MS65, and 10 Gem examples graded MS66 are known.
Here’s what to expect when collecting 1873 Open 3 shield nickels:
- Circulated Examples: These are slightly scarce in lower grades, although prices are generally affordable for most collectors. However, the population dwindles steadily in higher circulated grades, with About Uncirculated (AU) examples being very scarce and therefore pricier. Examples graded Good (G) can fetch up to $50, a Fine (F) can sell for up to $80, while an Extremely Fine (XF) piece will command up to $135. In About Uncirculated (AU58), examples are worth at least $320.
- Mint State Examples: Uncirculated examples are moderately rare in lower grades, and their population gets smaller higher up the grading scale. In MS60, examples will command up to $370 and as much as $750 in MS63. Prices shoot up significantly in MS64 to sell for at least $1,300 while extremely rare examples in MS66 will command up to $7,000.
- Auction Record: In a 2013 auction, Heritage Auctions sold an MS66 for a record-breaking $10,575.
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money
1873 Shield Nickel Grading
Grading a 1873 shield nickel involves checking the wear, strike, and surface quality, especially on the high contact points. Start by examining the areas that wear out fast, including the shield lines, cross, date, and laurel leaves on the obverse. On the reverse, check the stars and the number 5 for the extent of wear.
Barely visible design and outlines, flatness or smoothness, and a weak strike point to a lower grade. Higher-grade shield nickels will show more visible design details, bold outlines, a sharper strike, and minor wear on the high points.
Look at the surface quality as well. Lower-grade nickels will show signs of damage such as dings, dents, and scratches, while higher-grade coins will have original mint luster or a brilliant, damage-free surface.
Check out this video for more tips on grading Shield Nickels.
Rare 1873 Shield Nickel Errors List
Like most early U.S. coins, shield nickels were struck manually and with low-grade tools, resulting in numerous varieties and minting errors. Some errors are minor and don’t elicit a lot of collector interest, but some are notable and can be a valuable addition to your collection.
Let’s take a look at some high-value 1873 shield nickels worth collecting:
1. 1873 Shield Nickel Lamination Error
Copper-clad coins are prone to lamination errors that occur when the upper clad layer peels, breaks, or lifts, exposing the underlying copper core. The most dramatic and eye-catching one is the single-sided lamination error, where one side of the coin has the nickel cladding while the copper core is exposed on the other side. This error can add $20-$200 to a coin’s value; for example, in a 2019 auction, a collector on eBay paid $850 for an 1873 shield nickel graded MS61 with an obverse lamination error.
2. 1873 Shield Nickel Clipped Planchet Error
Another common error seen in this issue is the clipped planchet, which occurs when the planchet is improperly cut from the metal strip, resulting in the planchet losing a portion of its edge.
Clips on planchets can be straight, curved, jagged, or even doubled. But the clip’s size and appearance are what determine the error’s value. Larger, dramatic clips are usually more valuable than smaller ones and can raise your coin’s value by as much as $50-$200. For example, in 2010 Heritage Auctions sold a 1873 shield nickel graded MS60 with a large clipped planchet error for an impressive $800.
3. 1873 Shield Nickel Rim Cud Error
A rim cud occurs when a piece of the die’s edge falls off and the gap is filled by an inflow of metal, resulting in a raised bump. As the die continues to be put to use, it leaves an impression of the raised bump along the coin’s rim, resulting in a rim cud.
Generally, larger rim cuds tend to be more valuable than smaller, subtle ones. This error can add as much as $50-$100 to the regular value of a shield nickel, depending on the coin’s condition. For example, in 2006, a collector on eBay paid $250 for a 1873 shield nickel graded Fine (F) with a large rim cud.
Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money
FAQs
How much is a 1873 shield nickel worth?
The value of a 1873 shield nickel depends on its condition and whether it is an Open or Closed 3 variety. Lower grade examples can sell for $50 to $525 or more, while uncirculated pieces can command at least $370 to $9,000. Closed 3 shield nickels are rarer and therefore more valuable than the Open 3 variety.
How rare is a 1873 Shield Nickel?
Circulated examples of 1873 shield nickels are only moderately scarce, but their uncirculated counterparts are quite rare and genuinely hard to find in grade MS66 and higher. The Closed 3 variety is also very rare, with only a few hundred examples known to exist compared to their more abundant Open 3 variety.
How do I know if my 1873 nickel is valuable?
Uncirculated 1873 shield nickels with a mint luster are genuinely rare and are some of the most valuable in the series. Even rarer is an uncirculated Closed 3 variety, which can be worth a small fortune. Shield nickels with standout minting errors are also rare and can command significant premiums.
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