Price Guide for 1878 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: $600.00 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $11.50 – $4,830.00
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eBayCirculated: $950.00 – $1,152.00Uncirculated: $761.09 – $2,070.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,100.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $840.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1,735.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,400.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,140.00 – $25,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00 – $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1878 Nickel
The 1878 Shield Nickel marks an important year in U.S. coinage history. It was the final year of the Shield Nickel design, which had been in production since 1866. This coin bridged the gap between the earlier Shield design and the upcoming Liberty Head (V Nickel) design, which would debut in 1883.
The Shield Nickel was created in response to the shortage of silver coins during and after the Civil War. Its composition of copper and nickel made it a durable and cost-effective alternative to silver coins.
| 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
The condition of 1878 Shield Nickels significantly impacts their value. Many coins from this year suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the reverse wreath details. This makes well-struck examples highly desirable to collectors.
Luster is another crucial factor. Coins with original mint luster, free from significant wear or environmental damage, command premium prices. The presence of full steps on the reverse shield is also a key indicator of quality and can greatly increase value.
Mintage: 2,350,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above due to weak strikes and poor preservation
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Toning can play a role in the desirability of 1878 Shield Nickels. Coins with attractive, natural toning may be more appealing to collectors than those with no toning or artificial color.
As the final year of issue, the 1878 Shield Nickel holds special interest for collectors completing date sets. This factor, combined with its relatively low mintage, makes it a key date in the series and drives demand, especially for higher-grade examples.
Collectors should be aware of cleaned or altered surfaces, which can significantly decrease the value of these coins. Professional grading is recommended for high-value specimens to ensure authenticity and accurate assessment of condition.
