The 1878 Shield Nickel (Buy on eBay) was struck in proof version only. This represented the second of two years of the Shield Nickel series when circulation strikes were not produced, but proof coins were minted. The 1878 Shield Nickel proof coin mintage was 2,350. A sizable increase from the level of the prior year.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: James B. Longacre
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5 grams
- Diameter: 20.5 mm
- Edge: Plain
