Rare Coins Daily Rare coin guides and inquiries

SHIELD NICKEL

1866–1883
WITH RAYS • WITHOUT RAYS • PROOF-ONLY KEYS • 1880 KEY • EARLY NICKEL
SORTING LEGEND
P1Pull Immediately / Authenticate
P2Check Carefully / Better Date
P3Common / Condition Pull
RAYSWith Rays
NO RNo Rays
PRProof
Ni75/25 copper-nickel
AUTHAuthenticate
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
Microscope
or 10x loupe
0.01g
Scale
Good
Lighting
Reference
Guide
1P1 MONEY COINS
Date / IssuePri.What To Check
1866 RaysP2First year with rays
1867 RaysP1Scarce with-rays variety
1877 ProofP1Proof-only issue
1878 ProofP1Proof-only issue
1879P2Low mintage
1880P1Key business strike

1866 Rays

1866 Rays placeholder

First year with rays

1867 Rays

1867 Rays placeholder

Scarce with-rays variety

1877 Proof

1877 Proof placeholder

Proof-only issue

1878 Proof

1878 Proof placeholder

Proof-only issue

2TYPE GUIDE
Type / EraYearsDiagnostic
With Rays1866–early 1867Rays between reverse stars
Without Rays1867–1883Rays removed
Proof-only years1877–1878No business strikes
SHIELD NICKEL obverse placeholderOBVERSE
SHIELD NICKEL reverse placeholderREVERSE
Image note: Internet-hosted image placeholders are included. Replace with licensed/local images in production.
3KEY DATE CHART
Date / GroupPri.Notes
1867 RaysP1Key type variety
1877 ProofP1Proof-only
1878 ProofP1Proof-only
1879P2Low mintage
1880P1Major key
1881P2Better date
Sorting tip: Identify type first, then check date, mintmark/edge, surface quality, and variety diagnostics.
4STRIKE & CONDITION DIAGNOSTICS
FeaturePull If / Check
RaysCheck reverse rays behind denomination
DatePull 1877/1878/1880
StrikeShield lines and reverse stars
SurfacesNickel corrosion common
ProofMirrors and squared rims
Condition rule: Original surfaces and problem-free coins usually beat cleaned or damaged examples, even on better dates.
5VARIETIES & ERROR COINS
Variety / ErrorPri.What To Look For
1867 RaysP1Type key
1879/8P2Overdate variety
1883/2P2Overdate variety
Proof-only issuesP11877/1878
Major die cracksP2Common and collectible
variety placeholderVARIETY CHECK
reverse diagnostic placeholderREVERSE / EDGE
6QUICK SORT CHECKLIST

CHECK FIRST

  1. 1867 Rays
  2. 1877 Proof
  3. 1878 Proof
  4. 1879
  5. 1880
  6. 1881
  7. 1883/2
  8. Rays reverse
  9. Proofs
  10. Major die cracks
Fast workflow: type → date → mintmark/edge → weight/specs → variety → condition → authenticate P1 finds.
Authenticate: P1 rarities, famous varieties, proofs, and expensive high-grade pieces before sale.
SORT SMART. VERIFY MAJOR FINDS. NEVER CLEAN COLLECTIBLE COINS.
Primary source: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/nickels/shield-nickel-1866-1883/674
Notice Updated