1868 Shield Nickel Coin

1868 Shield Nickel Coin in Good to Very Fair condition, see photos. This historic 1868 Shield Nickel represents an early era of United States base-metal coinage, struck during the post-Civil War Reconstruction period. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the obverse features a prominent, ornate patriotic shield topped by a cross and flanked by olive branches, symbolizing national unity and peace, with the date clearly visible at the base. The reverse showcases a bold numeral "5" encircled by a ring of thirteen stars, a design that transitioned in 1867 to remove the controversial "rays" that had previously caused minting difficulties. Struck from a copper-nickel composition at the Philadelphia Mint, this classic piece of American numismatic history carries immense appeal for collectors building a type set or studying the evolution of U.S. small change.