When the United States started using nickel in its five cent coins in 1866, it overturned decades of the silver-based half dimes. At the time, the seated Liberty half dimes were being used, but the Civil War saw these gradually disappear from use.
These first nickels, as five-cent coins would now forever be known to distinguish them from the silver half dimes, featured a shield design on the obverse, with a star-themed burst on the reverse with a large “5” in the middle. They are known among collectors of American currency as shield nickels, and were used until 1883, when they were superseded by the Liberty head nickels.
Several proofs and other interesting collectible shield nickels can be found for sale from many different sellers. Popular and wide-ranging, the shield nickels appeal to lovers of American history and to many types of collectors worldwide. There may be significant competition from other buyers; check back often to stay on top of the latest news and listings from this section.
