1866 Nickel Value

Mint State: Mint State condition nickels are without wear to their surface. This is the primary definition of the Mint State grade. Collectors and the coin market use "Mint State" as a grading term. Grades are a defining part of a full description of a coin and its condition.

One consideration specific to Shield nickels is judge condition on well struck areas. In the example image, this Mint State nickel is well struck on the curved elements atop the shield. This area has high, rounded profiles, lower, recessed areas, and defined edges. All display the original fine grain texture imparted during the striking process. Striking a coin when minted causes metal to "flow." The result is a texture displaying luster under light.

At the top of the shield design, examine both high curves and the field of the coin. Luster and color is similar on each. Wear flattens the tops of the contours and changes how the metal reflects light. Worn metal on a nickel displays a grayish tone and a smooth surface. Subtle differences are detectable when comparing different areas of the surface. A Mint State surface is similar overall. Worn metal displays areas of smoothness, color changes, and contrasts over its surface.

Tilting the coin under a single light brings out the effects of a vibrant original surface. Compared to one with the dullness of a worn surface.

Extremely Fine: A Shield nickel in Extremely Fine grade gives the impression of a highly detailed coin. Defining the condition describes wear as restricted to high points only. These quality nickels enjoy strong value in the coin market. Measuring wear on high relief points of the shield indicates condition when grading.

When examining your coin, compare it to the image of a graded Extremely Fine nickel. Focus on the frame of the shield at the sides of the vertical stripes. A sweeping curve extends below the decorations, connecting to the bottom of the frame. Within this curved element, a raised contour is set between edges and a deep recess. This remains clearly visible and intact on the example coin. A small amount of wear flattens the raised contour, indicating light wear. Evaluate both sides of the frame, one is often better struck. Use the best represented side as the grading point.

Vertical lines become a second area to examine. This design element has raised vertical bars with interior lines. Nearly all lines are complete at the Extremely Fine grade level. In isolated areas, light wear fades the crisp appearance of the lines. Limited merging of lines occurs at one or two small spots. Crisp lines without fading are a premium example of this condition.

Fine Grade: A Shield nickel in fine grade has large areas of missing detail balanced with areas of fine detail. An overall view of the condition finds a readable motto at the top. A clear date is at the bottom of the coin. In the center, there is a shield and leaves with many visible details. Judging the remaining details on these elements determines the amount of wear.

At the center of the coin, many fine lines, both horizontal and vertical, remain visible. In Fine grade condition, moderate wear defines the grade. To meet the grade quality, at least half of the horizontal lines show clearly. On the example coin, these shield lines visibly record the "moderate" wear amount.

Below the horizontal lines, raised vertical bars form stripes. Within the stripes deep recesses create the fine lines. The smooth areas between the bars are lower, the same height as the field of the coin. These raised, vertical bars are another useful area to gauge wear amounts. Wear removes metal from the top of the bars, eventually to the depth of the recessed lines. As with the horizontal lines, half of the fine vertical lines must remain.

Next, examine where the vertical lines meet the inner edge of the frame at the bottom. The frame in this area is slightly higher than the vertical lines. A defined edge remains on the frame, separating the lines and frame. This subtle detail provides a crisp feature, helping qualify the coin at the Fine grade level.

Good Grade: Large flat areas on major features defines a Shield nickel in "Good" grade condition. Viewing the example image, starting at the outer edge, most of the raised rim is missing. This lack of detail extends inward and fades parts of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST as well. The shield in the center is also flat, missing the fine detail of its frame. Additionally, all that remains of the olive branches and leaves are outlines. However, a properly graded coin requires a certain level of preservation to remain.

An important element, the rim protects inner design areas of the coin. A partially faded rim, not blending with the outer edges of the leaves, qualifies for the Good grade. Notice the slight merging of the rim with the motto in this condition level. A close examine shows parts of the rim are intact with a defining edge. Also, a strong date enhances eye appeal.

On either side of the shield, the leaves are worn completely smooth. This lack of inner detail within the leaf design identifies the Good grade. Importantly, outer edges of the leaves are not merged with the field of the coin.

The shield remains with few details. Worn flat is the frame of the shield and cross above. Only the vertical stripes are strong and clear. As with the leaves, strong outlines remain, well raised and bold. Full outlines of the shield and leaves meets the standards of Good grade Shield nickels.

A worn Shield nickel showing boldness towards the center is desirable in the market. A pleasing coin without noticeable marks or dark discoloration is a plus.

Shield Nickel Value | Complete Value Chart of All Years

A complete value chart lists all years, highlighting the scarce nickels. Introducing a nickel alloy five cent piece in 1866, Shield nickels are a first for U.S. coinage. Many dates in the series that ended in 1883, are scarce, if not rare.

How to Grade Shield Nickels | Video, Images and Descriptions

Old Shield Nickels span a wide range of condition. Close-up images highlight requirements to meet grading standards. Presented in the video are key features examined, pointing to the various levels of wear. Examine each coin using descriptions to accurately grade Shield Nickels.