1866–1883 5 Cents Shield Rays & No Rays 2-pc Set VG–F

America’s First Nickel

When silver Half Dimes disappeared from circulation due to Civil War inflation, the government replaced them with paper 5-cent notes. After the war, the public howled to get these notes replaced with coins, but there wasn’t enough silver to do it. The solution? Nickel. In 1866 the Shield Nickel was born.

Designed by James Longacre, the U.S. Mint’s 4th Chief Engraver and one of the most noteworthy designers of the 19th century, the Shield Nickel is the very first nickel released by the United States. But as iconic as the design has become, it was also difficult to produce, and was criticized as a “tombstone surmounted by a cross and overhung by weeping willows.” The reverse design, originally showing stars surrounded by rays of light, also reminded many of the “Stars and Bars” motif of the Confederacy.

The coin’s original design was struck for only two years before the rays were removed to alleviate production problems, and the series itself ended after only 17 years. This set allows you to secure both types of Shield Nickel in Very Good to Fine (VG–F) condition. Dates vary.

These coins were last struck before the Turn of the Century more than 135 years ago and can be very hard to find in nice condition today. Don’t miss your chance to get America’s very first nickel; click this two-piece set to your cart today.