Price Guide for 1869 Nickel Variants

This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1869 Nickel (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $7.00 – $576.00
    Uncirculated: $86.00 – $11,750.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $4.25 – $711.01
    Uncirculated: $76.09 – $755.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $35.00 – $190.00
    Uncirculated: $200.00 – $7,000.00
1869 Nickel, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $375.00 – $15,862.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $15,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $600.00 – $12,500.00
1869 Nickel (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $156.00 – $167.00
    Uncirculated: $2.80 – $19,200.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $364.89
    Uncirculated: $249.98 – $725.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $300.00 – $325.00
    Uncirculated: $350.00 – $25,000.00
1869 Nickel DDO & RPD FS-1102 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $840.00
1869 Nickel Narrow Dt FS-301 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $61.00 – $109.00
    Uncirculated: $1,140.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $225.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $90.00
1869 Nickel RPD FS-1305 (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $89.00 – $252.00
    Uncirculated: $605.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1,750.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $125.00 – $275.00
    Uncirculated: $800.00

Design and Specifications of the 1869 Nickel

The 1869 Shield Nickel is part of the Shield Nickel series, which was first introduced in 1866. This coin played a crucial role in the post-Civil War era, as it helped to replace the silver half dimes that had been hoarded during the war. The Shield design symbolized strength and unity, reflecting the nation’s desire for reconciliation and stability after the conflict.

Weight 5 grams
Diameter 20.5 mm
Mint Marks None (Philadelphia only)
Composition 75% copper, 25% nickel
Obverse Design Shield with laurel wreath, designed by James B. Longacre
Reverse Design Laurel wreath surrounding the numeral '5', designed by James B. Longacre

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1869 Shield Nickel. Due to the soft metal composition and weak strikes common to this series, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins with full shield lines on the obverse and sharp details in the wreath on the reverse command significant premiums.

Luster preservation is another key factor, as many coins from this era exhibit dull surfaces due to environmental damage or cleaning. Specimens with original mint luster are highly sought after by collectors.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 16,395,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes and poor planchet quality

Varieties Errors: Repunched Date (RPD) varieties exist

Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens

Strike quality is a major consideration for 1869 Shield Nickels. Many coins from this year suffer from weak strikes, particularly in the center of the shield and the wreath details. Coins with full strikes can command substantial premiums.

Die varieties, such as the Repunched Date (RPD), can add value for variety collectors. Additionally, coins with attractive natural toning are often more desirable than those with bright, uniform surfaces.

The absence of surface problems like scratches, nicks, or corrosion is crucial for higher-grade examples, as these issues can significantly impact value in a series already challenged by production quality issues.

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