1866-1883 Shield Nickel Coin Guide
Proof Shield Nickels (Buy on eBay) were struck each year between 1866 and 1883, including the two years when the coins were not struck for circulation. Although Proof coin mintages were significantly lower than circulating coin mintages, in most instances the Proofs are more readily available since a great proportion of the coins were saved […]
The 1883 Shield Nickel (Buy on eBay) represents the final issue of the series, which overlapped with the Liberty Nickel series. The mintage of the 1883 Shield Nickel was 1,451,500, with 5,419 proof coins produced. The mintage of proof coins was the highest of the series. Coin Specifications
The mintage of Shield Nickels rebounded in 1882, after five years with limited or no production for circulation. The 1882 Shield Nickel (Buy on eBay) had a mintage of 11,472,900 pieces struck for circulation, making it the fifth highest total for the series. There were also 3,100 pieces produced for circulation. Coin Specifications
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
The 1879 Shield Nickel (Buy on eBay) saw the resumption of circulation strike coins, but on a very limited basis. This is one of three years of the series with a mintage of less than 100,000 coins. The 1879 nickel had a mintage of 25,900 circulation strike coins and 3,200 proof coins. Coin Specifications