The 1866 Shield Nickel (Buy on eBay) was the first year of issue for the new five cent denomination struck in a composition of copper and nickel. There were 14,742,500 coins struck for circulation with an estimated 600 proof pieces produced. Some circulation strike coins exhibit a repunched date and carry a premium, particularly for higher grade examples.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: James B. Longacre
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5 grams
- Diameter: 20.5 mm
- Edge: Plain
