Shield Nickels

Minted 1866 to 1883

Shield Nickel with Rays: Minted 1866 and 1867.

Shield Nickel with no Rays: Minted 1867 to 1883.

The earliest true Nickel, the Shield Nickel was minted from just after the Civil War in 1866, with mintage continuing through 1883. The first year 1866, and early 1867 had quite distinctive RAYS on the reverse. These rays were removed for all later years. A very collectible series, struck only at the Philadelphia Mint, with all dates being rather scarce. Assemble the entire set, or add the two main varieties to your Type Set today.