1882 Nickel Value

Mint State: A Shield Nickel in "Mint State" grade is a coin showing no signs of wear on its surface. When you tilt the coin under a light, a bright luster radiates across the entire surface. Any breaks or interruptions in the luster indicate worn areas. Three main areas are carefully inspected for signs of wear. These are the shield's frame, the olive leaves, and cross at the top of the coin.

Locate the cross raised high above the field at the top of the coin. Examine the example image. Both the cross and the field have a matching texture and shine. When a coin is unworn, the metal of the cross remains intact, and the field below is reflective. Look for similarities in texture and luster on the cross and the field. Any smoothness or a dull appearance on the cross indicates wear.

Next, examine the two olive branches on either side of the shield. Each branch is a series of leaf groups. In Mint State condition all leaves are crisp and well-defined. When looking closely, there is no flattening along their raised edges. Inspect the group of leaves on the left side of the shield near the horizontal lines. This is a particularly high point of the design.

To confirm the grade, the frame device that surrounds the shield is intact. This detailed design has deep contours with rounded tops, all remaining undisturbed. Texture and luster of the metal are consistent overall. A focal point is the "ball" element within the scroll near the horizontal lines. These show no signs of smooth metal or flatness at the peak of their contours.

An important part of your examination is tilting the coin under a single light source. This is a standard technique within the hobby. Different angles of light help judge and highlight any wear on the surface. A Mint State coin displays an unbroken, consistent luster. Luster radiates across the raised elements and lower field. Any dulling, or breaks in the luster on the cross, leaves, or frame are signs of wear.

Extremely Fine: Defining the grade, only small spots of flat metal smooth the highest areas of the design. Grading under a single light with magnification, provides contrast and key details. Examine two main areas, the inner lines of the shield and quality of the leaves. These detailed features provide measurable areas indicating the level of wear.

First, inspect the vertical and horizontal lines within the shield. At the Extremely Fine level, these lines are crisp and well-defined. Allowable for the grade are a few isolated areas of faded sharpness. The horizontal lines often show the most weakness. When vertical lines are very clear, this offsets the faded areas above. Compare your coin to the example image of an Extremely Fine Shield Nickel. This helps gauge the overall condition found on coins at the grade level.

Next, to examine are the leaves on the sides of the shield. Each leaf remains complete, with visible and bold edges. Full separation of the leaves is a standard requirement for the grade. Inspect both sides of the shield to ensure this level of detail is present.

While examining the leaves, light wear causes only a slight flatness at the leaf ends. The key grading metric is smoothness on the highest points only. Veins within the leaves display boldness when sitting in a lower contour with a defined edge.

One subtle consideration is an uneven strike to the design during minting. Often, leaves on one side of the shield show more detail than the other. To accurately measure wear, judge the better side first. This sharper side gives a clearer indication of the coin's original detail and extent of wear.

Meeting the standards of well-defined lines within the shield indicates a quality nickel. Minimal wear on leaf edges and clear separation of each leaf confirms a premium 1882 nickel.

Fine Grade: Moderate wear smoothing parts of high points defines the "Fine" grade condition of a Shield nickel. Key areas inspected are the horizontal lines, shield border, and leaf detail on the olive branches. These provide measurable amounts of remaining detail, helping narrow the grade range.

Beginning just above the date, intricate frame details are flat, only an outline. However, the outline is bold, with recognizable arrow heads and tail feather features. There are no parts of the frame faded into the field of the coin.

Next, inspect the upper half of the shield. Vertical and horizontal lines within the shield are partially visible. Half of the horizontal lines remaining is the metric to measure. Notability, the lower portion of the horizontal lines typically appear sharp. Vertical lines show very well. Most of the lines are crisp, although some fading in areas meets the grade category.

The leaf detail on the olive branches provides measurable wear points. At this grade level, high points of the leaves show moderate flatness. This smooth area begins at the leaf tips and extends halfway across the leaf. Edges of the leaves are mostly defined. Upper leaves remain separate from the lower leaves. Note on the example, some merging of leaf edges, particularly in the upper left area of the coin. This is acceptable if most leaves are boldly defined.

Compare your Shield Nickel to the professionally graded example to confirm its condition. This comparison method provides a good reference helping identify subtle grading points.

Good Grade: A Good grade 1882 Shield nickel exhibits heavy wear on major features of the coin's design. A well-worn appearance defines the grade. Only the outer edges of the design elements rise slightly from the field of the coin. Essential are a readable date and a legible motto.

The motto, "In God We Trust" is a key factor used to grade condition. Located at the top edge, note in the example image, a slight fading. It does remain legible, only the upper half of the letters are indistinct. With a bold date remaining, these two features measure the level of wear at the grade standard. Both add to the coin's visual appeal and market acceptance of grade.

Overall, heavy wear reduces the rim of the coin into the field in places. A partially missing rim still allows for a Good grade rating. Required are a full outline of major features and a legible motto.

Inspecting inward, the leaves of the wreath are smooth and without detail. These are now "groups" without any lines defining individual leaves. The outer edge of the shield remains, although the shield is flat without minor elements. The presence of strong vertical stripes defines a recognizable shield device.

Despite a mostly smooth surface, major features rise above the field with complete outlines. No major elements fade into the background. These condition nickels have an aesthetic appeal. They fit within the collectible range and enjoy premium values.

Shield Nickel Value | Complete Value Chart of All Years

Sixteen different years of Shield Nickels went into circulation. 1882 is among the dates popular with collectors. When comparing premiums of all dates, it becomes notable all are scarce.

How to Grade Shield Nickels | Visual Guide

Old Shield Nickels span a wide range of condition. Close-up images presented in the visual guide highlight requirements to meet grading standards. You soon recognize the different levels of wear. Examine each coin using descriptions to accurately grade Shield Nickels.