Price Guide for 1871 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $29.00 – $540.00Uncirculated: $59.00 – $9,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $650.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $65.87 – $199.99Uncirculated: $200.00 – $999.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $518.00 – $4,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $252.00 – $12,075.00
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eBayUncirculated: $600.00 – $1,121.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,840.00 – $28,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Nickel
The 1871 Shield Nickel was part of the Shield Nickel series, which was first introduced in 1866. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War. The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent piece composed of copper and nickel, replacing the silver half dime.
The design, featuring a shield on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse, was intended to symbolize the strength and unity of the nation in the post-war era. The 1871 issue played a significant role in the circulation of small change during a time of continued economic growth and westward expansion.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the Roman numeral V (5), designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1871 Shield Nickel has a significant impact on its value. Due to its low mintage and age, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or better) are especially valuable and sought after by collectors.
Strike quality is a crucial factor, as many 1871 nickels were weakly struck, particularly on the reverse. Well-struck examples with full detail command a premium. Original luster is highly prized, and coins with attractive, original surfaces are more valuable than those that have been cleaned or have dull surfaces.
Mintage: 561,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Repunched Date varieties exist
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Repunched date varieties can add significant value to an 1871 Shield Nickel. Collectors actively seek these varieties, and they can command substantial premiums over regular strikes.
The overall scarcity of this issue in high grades makes it a key date in the series. As a result, even examples in lower circulated grades (Fine to Extremely Fine) are valuable and in demand.
Toning can also affect value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding a premium. However, the toning must be natural and appealing to collectors to add value.
