1873 Nickel Value

Mint State: A Shield nickel without wear to its surface defines the "Mint State" grade. This is the term used in the coin hobby and market. Without wear, these coins remain with their original surface texture. Luster radiates across the coin when tilted under a light. Luster is delicate, any breaks in luster indicates areas of wear. Three areas are typically checked to confirm a Mint State nickel. The frame of the shield, leaves, and the cross element.

A styled frame surrounds the horizontal and vertical lines of the central area of the shield. Inspect this deeply contoured frame at its highest points for wear. Fully rounded tops, with no flatness indicates an intact surface. The "ball" elements in the design, if worn, flatten across the high points. With luster remaining in these areas, the surface is without wear.

Beginning near the top, two olive branches hang either side of the shield. The deep details of the leaves present an opportunity to identify the absence of wear. High leaf ridges show signs of wear as lines of flattened metal along the edge. Within the illustration, inspect the left side leaf group near the horizontal lines. This group of leaves is well struck and clearly represents undisturbed metal.

At the very top is a cross raised high above the field of the coin. Note the texture and shine of the cross match the lower field area nearby. This field is a low point and protected from wear by the surrounding design. If both areas are similar, this confirms the high relief surface of the cross has not received any wear.

Extremely Fine: A Shield nickel in Extremely Fine grade displays high levels of detail in all areas. Slight wear appears on the high points only. All design features are distinct and minimal merging of fine lines defines the grade. When judging the grade, typical wear patterns provide measurements of the surface condition. Examine the image, it gives a good view of the minimum amount of wear determining the grade level. Collectors seek these quality coins for their aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the coin market awards this level of preservation with premium values.

Examine and then judge the frame of the shield first, and then its interior vertical lines. Using a magnifying glass, look for amounts of smooth and flattened metal. Compare to the image as you examine your coin.

Starting with the frames at the sides of the vertical stripes. These detailed features are important because they quickly show levels of wear. Light wear begins to smooth the central raised contour. Next to the raised contour, outer edges separated by a deep recess remain clear. This level of detail continues along the curved element. High levels of detail also remain on the frame below the vertical lines.

Next, the vertical lines within the shield accurately measure the amount of wear. At the Extremely Fine grade level, nearly all lines are complete and distinct. These fine lines are clearly visible despite light wear. Acceptable are small areas of limited merging and fading. Bold vertical bars and interior lines display the coin's premium quality. The image is a professionally graded Shield nickel in Extremely Fine condition. A close match with your coin determines its grade.

Fine Grade: A balance of visible design features balanced with flattened areas is a coin in Fine grade condition. The example Shield nickel exhibits this moderate amount of wear at the grade level. Many lower contours retain fine details, while only parts of the high points appear flat. Compare your coin with a focus on the border of the shield. Look for similarities in the level of detail and wear.

The shield's border on either side of the horizontal lines is well defined. Raised contours are visible on the spiral feature. A central ball device often shows flatness but confined to the very top. Moving downward, just below the spiral, the frame is smooth. The next raised decoration retains some contours and recesses. At the lower end of the frame is a continuous flat appearance. This combination of flat and contoured metal measures the moderate amount of wear.

Next, judge the leaf clusters located outside of the frame. At least half of the leaves show central details with contours and a central vein. Primarily, focus on the top leaf of each group. Leaves, like the frame, are a balance of flat metal with remaining detail.

Drawing the eye to the center of the coin, fine lines within the shield remain bold. Half the horizontal lines are bold, while most vertical lines are distinct. Flat areas in the horizontal lines are easily visible. Only a slight fading of vertical lines is the measurement meeting the grade standard.

Good Grade: Examining the condition of major features on a Shield nickel judges if it is in Good grade. Flat areas on the shield, leaves, and cross are key indicators the coin is within the grade range.

Starting at the outer edge, the rim fades in places. Without a sharp inner edge, some merging with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is acceptable at the grade level. Wear to the rim plays a role in protecting inner design areas of the coin. On the example illustrated, a partial rim at the bottom allows for a bold date. This is an important feature determining the grade.

Examine the olive branches and leaves on either side of the shield. Only the outlines of these design elements remain. All inner details are completely worn away. The leaves are smooth, lacking any texture or veining. However, it's important to note that the outer edges of the leaves are complete and not merged with the field.

Next, focus on the shield in the center of the coin. A well-worn shield is flat, missing the fine detail within its frame. Vertical stripes are a pleasing detail remaining visible and bold. Looking at the top of the shield, a cross, worn smooth, displays a bold outline. The cross only merges slightly where it meets the frame.

A Good grade nickel has a delicate balance of heavy wear and clear detail. Strong outlines of the leaves added to a bold date and clear vertical stripes are key to the grade. These offset the faded rim and slight merging with the motto. Without significant marks, scratches, or dark discoloration, these coins also have aesthetic value.

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 1868, 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 | Visual Guide

In-depth how to grade Shield nickels. The main features of the guide cover specific areas to examine. Examine closely the amount of detail required to qualify for each grade. Additionally, reference the close-up images and descriptions when inspecting a coin's surface.