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The first five cent coin struck using nickel as part of the composition was the Shield Nickel. These 5 cent pieces weighed 5 grams, or 77 grains. Their composition is of 75% copper and 25% nickel, usually having a gray appearance. This was the same composition as the previously issued three cent nickel piece from 1865. The diameter of this denomination is 20.5 mm, and all have a plain edge. No coins were minted at any of the branch mints, resulting in no pieces with mintmarks.
Dates: 1866 -1883
Mint Mark: none
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight: 5 grams
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Edge: plain
Designer: James B. Longacre
