The 1881 Shield Nickel (Buy on eBay) was the third year in a row with a limited mintage. These three issues came after two years when coins were not produced for circulation at all. The 1881 nickel had a mintage of 68,800 coins for circulation and 3,575 proof strikes.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: James B. Longacre
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5 grams
- Diameter: 20.5 mm
- Edge: Plain