Price Guide for 1875 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: $23.00 – $5,040.00Uncirculated: $98.00 – $8,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 – $330.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $1,199.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.25 – $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $200.50 – $1,576.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00Uncirculated: $705.00 – $1,351.25
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eBayCirculated: $499.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $576.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $62.00 – $780.00Uncirculated: $1,680.00 – $3,360.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $305.50 – $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $691.95 – $959.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1875 Nickel
The 1875 Shield Nickel was part of the Shield Nickel series, which was minted from 1866 to 1883. This coin played a crucial role in the post-Civil War era, helping to reintroduce coins into circulation after the war’s economic disruptions. The year 1875 saw a significant increase in production compared to previous years, reflecting the growing demand for small denomination coins in commerce.
| 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 Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the Roman numeral V, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1875 Shield Nickel. Many examples suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the reverse wreath and shield lines on the obverse. Coins with full strike details command significant premiums.
Luster preservation is another key factor, as many circulated heavily. Specimens with original mint luster are highly desirable. Toning can add to the appeal, with nicely toned examples often fetching higher prices.
Mintage: 2,097,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes common for this issue
Varieties Errors: 1875 Over 1874 Overdate variety
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-struck examples and the overdate variety
The 1875 Over 1874 Overdate variety is a significant error that can substantially increase the coin’s value. Collectors actively seek this variety, making it more valuable than regular strike examples.
Die state can also impact value, with early die state coins showing sharper details being more desirable. Additionally, provenance from notable collections can enhance the coin’s appeal and value to serious collectors.
