Price Guide for 1880 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: $253.00 – $14,100.00Uncirculated: $1,726.00 – $99,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,280.00 – $7,700.00Uncirculated: $36.80 – $198,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,000.00 – $16,000.00Uncirculated: $17,500.00 – $125,000.00

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $201.00 – $2,115.00Uncirculated: $3.90 – $9,775.00
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eBayCirculated: $296.00 – $881.00Uncirculated: $310.00 – $1,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $316.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayUncirculated: $530.00 – $1,170.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,520.00 – $4,025.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1880 Nickel
The 1880 Liberty Head or ‘V’ Nickel marks an important transition in U.S. coinage. It was the final year of the Shield Nickel design and the first year of the new Liberty Head design, though the latter was only produced in proof format for collectors. This makes the 1880 nickel a significant year for numismatists, representing both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
Weight | 5 grams |
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Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
Obverse Design | Liberty Head (V Nickel), designed by Charles E. Barber |
Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding Roman numeral V, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1880 nickel has a significant impact on its value. For circulation strikes, coins in Mint State are extremely rare and highly valued. Even coins in Extra Fine to About Uncirculated grades command strong premiums.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can greatly enhance value. Proof coins with original surfaces and minimal hairlines are particularly desirable.
Both circulation and proof strikes are susceptible to environmental damage, so coins with original luster and minimal spotting are highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 16,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 3,955
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in high grades (PR65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to historical significance and low mintage
Historical significance plays a major role in the value of 1880 nickels. As the last year of the Shield design and the first year of the Liberty Head design in proof, these coins are crucial for type set collectors.
The extremely low mintage for circulation strikes makes them rare in any condition, with well-preserved examples being particularly valuable.
For proof coins, the quality of strike and eye appeal are crucial factors. Proofs with deep, mirror-like fields and frosted devices (cameo contrast) are highly sought after.
Given the age of these coins, provenance can also add value, especially if the coin can be traced to a notable collection or has been certified by a reputable grading service.