Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 3/9/2026: Gold $5094 | Silver $82.85

Key Grading Features Identifying Each Shield Nickel Grade

A coin's grade defines its condition in a term used in the hobby when describing a coin. These grades are also used extensively on value charts listing how much they are worth.

A comparison method of matching your coin to a known, graded example helps in judging and rating a grade.

Key features of the grades are the first indication of condition. Use these visual comparison points to identify a narrow condition range into a grade.

Mint State Grade Features
Obverse: No wear to the surface defines the grade.

• Luster remains on both high and low relief areas.
• Similar metal texture covers the surface.
• Inspect: High points - Outside Edges of Leaves | Shield Frame | Field of the Coin.

Reverse: Entire surface shows no signs of wear.

• Luster and metal texture on the upper surface of numeral 5 intact.
• Open fields lustrous and consistent metal texture.
• Stars show full contours defining the central lines.

Extremely Fine Grade
Obverse: Light wear limited to high points only defines the grade.

• Complete leaf edges separate each leaf from the other. This requires a close inspection and accurate match to the example.
• Shield lines are mostly complete. An occasional slight merging passes the grade level.
• Light smoothing occurs on the high points of the frame surrounding the central lines.

Reverse: Full details is the first impression.

• Smooth metal covers the top of the 5.
• Legend contains all letters fully defined, just slight wear.
• Well-defined stars still show contours leading to the central lines.

Fine Grade
Obverse: Areas of clarity, mixed with areas of visible wear, place a Shield nickel in Fine grade condition.

• Leaf edges now display flatness. Wear extends from the leaf tip inward. Note: Top most leaves still have edges separating them from leaves below.
• Smoothness is pronounced on Shield's frame. Some areas of deep recesses remain.
• Horizontal and vertical lines within the center of the frame show a mixture of visible and faded lines.

Reverse: At the Fine grade level, notice the reverse is still crisp in appearance.

• The 5 remains fully raised above the field.
• Stars full, along with the lettering, all remain intact and outlined.

Good Grade
Obverse: Heavy wear smoothing most details defines the grade.

• Comparing your coin to the example shows the date - rim - and leaves are worn but intact.
• Date full and readable.
• Outline of leaf branches complete - individual leaves indistinct.
• Rim remains a visible raised area, often with a defining inner edge.

Reverse: Nice Detail

• Numeral 5 complete.
• Lettering complete.
• Stars - smooth, however, raised from the field.

How to Grade Shield Nickels | In-Depth Guide

Shield nickels represent a challenge to grade. Because of the complexity of design, size of the coin, and the nickel alloy itself. Develop an understanding of how to grade Shield nickels starting with images to compare the different stages of condition. Detailed descriptions of grades point to the deciding features within a grade range.

How to Grade Old Nickels | In-Depth Guide

Grading examines key features specific to each of the different series of nickels. In depth descriptions, images, and video identify the grades used to define their condition. Using a comparison method visually matches your coin to typical grading patterns.

Shield Nickel Value | Condition and Grade Determine Worth

A complete value chart lists all years. Highlighting the many dates in the series that are scarce, if not rare. Sixteen different years of Shield Nickels went into circulation. Each is important to today's collector seeking these collectible coins.

★Coin Values Discovery

All old U.S. coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, along with a step-by-step process, uncovers how much your box of old coins is worth. Verify each coin's series, date, condition, and special qualities.