1883 Shield Nickel Coin
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Description
1883 Shield Nickel Coin in Good condition, see photos. The 1883 Shield Nickel stands as a fascinating, transitional piece of American numismatic history, marking the final year of production for the United States' first five-cent coin struck from copper-nickel. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the coin's obverse features a prominent, patriotic shield adapted from the Civil War-era Union Shield, while the reverse displays a large numeral "5" surrounded by thirteen stars. For the 1883 issue, the United States Mint produced approximately 1.4 million business strikes—a low mintage that makes it highly sought after by collectors today, especially in well-preserved, Mint State conditions. Because the Mint concurrently introduced the new Liberty Head "V" Nickel comprised of 75% copper, 25% nickel in 1883, this final run of the Shield design represents the end of an era, making it a prized historical anchor for any classic American coin collection.
