1875 Nickel Value

Mint State: Using the comparison method of grading, first inspect the image of a Mint State Shield nickel. Examine your coin, specifically high points, and fine detail, judging for a close match. A surface without wear is the definition of the Mint State grade. Presence of mint luster is a key indicator of an unworn surface. Coins that retain their original luster are candidates for the Mint State grade.

Luster, a coin's brilliance, radiates from the fine texture of unworn metal. This texture is a result of the minting process and covers the entire surface. Disruptions of luster show dullness, and smoothness on the metal. These are the visible signs of initial wear.

An important area to examine are the intricate features of the leaves on the left side of the example coin. Examine the high outer edges, low relief inner areas, and central veins of the leaves. These areas are prone to wear and help judge the level of detail remaining on the coin. Indications of no wear is the edges of the leaves are crisp and well-defined. With no signs of flattening or smoothing, the coin is a candidate for the Mint State condition.

Next, inspect the curved shield decoration located above the horizontal lines. This is another comparison area used when grading condition. Look for crisp edges, the presence of luster, and high contours in the shield decoration. Flattened areas on the tops of contours, along with a dull surface, are signs of wear. Luster on high points of the curved features matching the field below is a good sign the coin is without wear.

A subtle grading feature are the color changes visible on the example image. Areas of the surface are slightly different shades of silver-gray. Other areas show a tan/gold color. The nickel-copper alloy of these coins naturally tones over time, producing the various color. When used by themselves, slight color changes are not reliable indications of wear. A smooth surface lacking the original fine texture needs to confirm wear.

A comparison of the example coin's high and low areas with your coin judges an accurate condition.

Extremely Fine: An Extremely Fine Grade Shield Nickel shows light wear on its high points. Only small flat areas on the leaves and frame border show signs of wear. This quality coin presents a generally crisp appearance, with most details clearly visible. Grading measures remaining detail on key features when judging the coin's condition. A comparison approach using the image provides the visual requirements for the grade.

Start with the shield, a main focal point of the coin. Condition of the vertical and horizontal lines gauges the coin's condition. Light wear does show on these lines, but most remain distinct and separate.

Wear affects the horizontal different than the vertical lines. Horizontal lines, especially near the top, often merge slightly due to wear. This merging is minor to fit within grade standards. Vertical lines within the shield are typically less worn compared to horizontal lines. Most vertical lines remain deeply separated and crisp. Minor merging, as seen on the example, is minimal.

Next inspect the shield's border. Note, intricate details, scrolls, and raised curved contours, are all visible. At the top of the design, measurable wear flattens high points, just under the cross. However, deep recesses separate these high contoured curved features. This limited amount of wear indicates an Extremely Fine grade coin.

Confirm the condition of your coin with a point-by-point comparison with the image. This professionally graded nickel displays the key requirements. Amount of detail within the shield, levels of wear on the frame, and visible detail of the leaves. Matching to the illustration, judges a narrow grade range.

Fine Grade: A moderate amount of wear on the shield describes the condition of Shield nickels in Fine grade. Within the intricate design are many fine details used when measuring wear amounts. A mixture of visible and smooth areas determines the grade.

A highly detailed shield consists of horizontal lines and raised vertical bars. In Fine grade at least half of the horizontal lines are clearly visible.

The raised vertical bars form stripes below the horizontal lines. Deep recesses within the vertical bars create fine lines, enhancing the stripes. Prone to wear, these lines quickly measure wear on their design. Defining the grade, merging of the fine lines is minor and confined to limited areas.

At the base of the vertical stripes, a subtle metric shows on the example image. A strong edge defines and separates the frame from the stripes. This frame edge is slightly higher than the lines within the stripes. A crisp appearance adds visual appeal.

On the sides of the shield, olive branches with leaf clusters show many fine details. Although a few smooth leaves have lost their inner contours. Importantly, most of the edges defining the leaves remain very bold.

A readable motto at the top rim, plus a clear date, finalize the inspection. Overall, most features are well displayed and easily recognizable.

Good Grade: A Shield nickel in "Good" grade displays heavy wear across its entire surface. The example coin was in circulation for an extended period of time. Extensive flattening of the major design features confirms heavy wear. Standard metrics of wear patterns measure and determine its grade.

One key characteristic is within the branches on both sides of the shield. Note all outer edges of the leaf groups remain strong and bold. Heavy wear shows as flat surfaces representing the leaves, with no inner detail. Full outlines surrounding a flat leaf design measures the wear level. The Good grade is an accurate condition judgment.

A second feature indicating the grade is the motto "In God We Trust" above the shield. It remains at least partially visible, with any fading limited to its upper half. Well represented are all lower parts of the letters.

A subtle feature of the Shield nickel is its strike quality. An uneven strike when minted often causes fading towards the outer edges of the nickel. The example displays this weakness in the motto area. Towards the center of the coin, notice this difference in strike with less detail on one side than the other. Judge the stronger side, helping identify true wear. Some fading in areas meets the grade level. Consider the overall condition of the surface as a balancing factor.

A presence of bold outlines on the shield, cross, and leaves gives the coin a pleasing appearance. When the surface is free of deep marks, it is a quality condition, Good grade coin.

Shield Nickel Value | Complete Value Chart of All Years

Complete listing of all Shield Nickel values. 1875 nickels are very scarce and are a value leader on the charts. Because of their age and historical significance, all dates are worth a close look. Separate your coins by condition. Look for above average examples to find a higher value.

How to Grade Shield Nickels | Visual Guide

Referencing the visual guide examines in detail the subtle points of condition. Grading features on both the obverse and reverse are identified, helping determine condition. Additional close-up images plus video point to the details of each grade.