Price Guide for 1874 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: $30.00 – $1,320.00Uncirculated: $155.00 – $9,341.25
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $245.00Uncirculated: $125.50 – $15,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $603.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $6,613.00
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eBayCirculated: $395.00Uncirculated: $225.00 – $3,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00Uncirculated: $353.00 – $1,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $668.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $185.00 – $285.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $391.00
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eBayCirculated: $787.77
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $57.00 – $120.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $660.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $437.00 – $10,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $725.00 – $1,601.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,112.50 – $12,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1874 Nickel
The 1874 Shield Nickel was part of the Shield Nickel series, which was produced from 1866 to 1883. 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.
| 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 denomination, designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1874 Shield Nickels. Due to the coin’s age and circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly desirable and command significant premiums.
The quality of the strike is important, as many Shield Nickels suffer from weak strikes, especially on the reverse wreath. Well-struck examples with full details are highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 3,538,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties in date
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
Varieties can significantly impact the value of 1874 Shield Nickels. The most notable are the Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties in the date. The Closed 3 variety is scarcer and generally commands a higher premium.
Original mint luster is highly desirable, especially on uncirculated coins. Attractive, natural toning can also enhance the value, particularly if it’s colorful and even across the surface.
As with many coins of this era, die state varieties exist, and advanced collectors may pay premiums for interesting die cracks or late die state examples.
