1871 Nickel Value

Mint State: Mint State coins are highly prized by collectors because of their pristine condition. In particular, 1871 Shield nickels are elusive in top quality condition. This is a coin preserved in the same condition as when it left the mint, with no visible signs of wear on its surface.

When judging the condition, focus on the intricate, high contour details of the shield. These areas exhibit signs of wear first due to their raised nature.

Coins, without wear, have a distinctive appearance. High contours on an original surface have a fine texture, this creates the shine of luster. This luster results from metal flowing during the striking of the coin. Both high and low relief areas of the design, display a uniform, frosty appearance. The presence of unbroken luster is a key indicator of a coin's Mint State condition.

Begin by examining the intricate shield devices on the coin's obverse. Rounded, curved elements are useful when confirming no wear. All remain full across the tops. Any wear to the surface removes luster first and then smooths and flattens the metal. Compare the highest points to the nearby recesses for similarities.

A specific feature is the center rounded "ball" within the scroll. These are found on either side of the horizontal lines. Referring to the example coin, on the right side of the shield, examine the top of the "ball" feature. Compare it to the lower-relief areas of the leaves nearby. Both surfaces exhibit a similar texture, with luster remaining intact. If wear is present, the high-relief points appear flat. A worn flattened area often shows a grayish tint, while lower-relief areas display luster.

Continue this process of comparing high-relief areas to low-relief areas across the entire surface. Consistency in texture and the absence of flatness or dullness on the high points are strong indicators the coin has not become worn.

Extremely Fine: Use special care evaluating the condition of an 1871 Shield nickel. Few remain with well detailed design elements. At the Extremely Fine grade level, only slight traces of wear are visible. Key features measure specific amounts of wear. First, compare your coin with the image, it represents the grade. With a close match, continue with an evaluation of the shield's interior, outer border, and leaves on the sides.

A strict requirement at this grade level are well defined vertical lines. This center area must show sharp detail. To the side of these vertical lines, the frame provides a subtle, confirming detail. Examine the illustration, the frame border flattens where it meets the horizontal lines. Downward, smoothness on high contours of the frame is only at their tops. This border then curves to meet the lower ends of the vertical lines. Along the inner edge of the curve, a slightly faded raised line is just visible. Although merged in areas, a recess in the metal defines this fine line detail. Both sides of the frame show this subtle feature.

Leaves on the sides of the shield are well detailed when first minted. In Extremely Fine condition, high relief surfaces are slightly flattened due to wear. Examine towards the tips of the leaves, any flattened areas appear at the very ends. Additionally, the raised edges of the leaves show evidence of wear along just the upper ridge. On the left side of the example, leaf details are clearly visible.

A subtle point is now considered. Grading the leaves judges strike differences from the left to right sides of the design. Deep or light original impressions per side change the overall quality of the leaves. Stronger vein detail, more contour with the leaf centers, and height of the edges. Grading softly struck areas makes it difficult to gauge the true amount of wear. The example illustrates a stronger strike on the left when compared to the right side. To arrive at a grade, judge the best side of your coin.

Fine Grade: A Shield nickel in Fine grade exhibits wear flattening only the highest contours. Additionally, there is some moderate merging of features. While low relief areas remain visible, it is only the high points missing small details. Two areas on the coin help measure the extent of wear. Particularly the leaves and horizontal lines within the shield provided grading metrics.

Inspect the edges of the leaves first. Most edges remain, separating the leaves. A few isolated areas of merging edges are typical of the leaf groups on either side of the cross. Strong leaf edges are a good measure of condition.

In addition to the leaf edges, judge the extent of wear on the leaves themselves. Inspecting the image, wear on most leaves extends only halfway into the leaf. This holds true except for the top most leaf group near the cross. Leaves completely smooth in these top groups identifies the amount of wear at this grade.

Judge the presence and clarity of the horizontal lines within the shield next. The grade standard is at least half of these lines remain visible. Weakness and merging of lines in the top area is balanced by sharp detail in the lower area. When examining the horizontal lines, focus on the remaining lines. Overall, half of the lines remain distinct.

Despite the presence of wear, Shield nickels in Fine condition are a pleasing coin. A clear date, clear major design features, and many fine details remain on a Fine grade nickel. This is a popular grade within the collector market.

Good Grade: Of the relatively few 1871 nickels produced, even fewer remain. Of those available today, many are in heavily worn condition. This heavy wear condition defines the "Good" grade category.

The example image clearly shows the extent of wear within its center. This central area is a shield with a wreath of olive branches on either side. Distinctive, and required for the grade rating, are complete edges for all devices. The vertical shield stripes are full and defined. A complete outer edge of the frame remains bold. Although the inner leaf detail is smooth, the wreath shows a strong separation above the coin's field.

With the shield and wreath meeting grade standards, inspect for added quality. Clarity of the date and motto "In God We Trust" helps give the coin an appearance of boldness. A slight fading of the motto on the example coin is acceptable to meet the grade. A strong motto elevates eye appeal. This coin benefits from the bold date. On balance, a Good grade nickel is of collectible quality.

Shield Nickel Value | Complete Value Chart of All Years

Complete value chart listing of Shield Nickels. Note how much an 1871 is worth in high condition compared to other dates. The important step of judging condition is further illustrated with large grading images. This approach provides a step-by-step method to an accurate reading the chart.

How to Grade Shield Nickels | Visual Guide

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