United States

5 Cents "Shield Nickel" · “Shield Nickel”

United States · 1866–1883 · Copper

The coin

The story

The Shield Nickel: America's First Nickel

In 1866 the United States struck a five-cent coin out of a brand-new metal mix — and almost immediately regretted it. The alloy was so tough it cracked the Mint's steel dies faster than they could be made. The Shield Nickel is the coin that taught America how hard nickel really is.

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Designer

James B. Longacre

Meet the designer

Era

The Civil War & Reconstruction

Explore the era

Catalogue

Issuer: United States
Years: 1866–1883
Metal: Copper

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