For The Love of Shield Nickels

I never started collecting feeling drawn to shield nickels. But over the years I find that when I am at a show, I tend to be drawn to the dealers tables that have shield nickels. I think they are devastatingly beautiful in a proof strike. So show your shield nickel some love and add it to the thread.


I waited a long time for the perfect nickel with rays. I wish all US coins included rays.



man these coins make some striking proofs. Particularly early strikes where the shield appears to be sharp enough to cut your finger.


And my personal favorite. These early nickels tend to tone lovely rainbow hues. Gawd I love this coin…




Now show me yours

 

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Don't have any to share, but I am looking forward to seeing more here. Those you have shown are great.

 

You are right. They look absolutely beautiful.

 

Very lovely!! My only shield nickel came from my grandfathers baggie of assorted jewelery. it was worn to death. No date, and barely identifiable, but it was my first, and is my only shield nickel so I treasure it!

 

Hey Randy! Absolutely beautiful nickels but I’m sorry to inform you that the last one you showed, the 1867 PCGS MS-66 dies not have Rays. How good you miss that? Even says so on the label. Hehehe my friend.
You talked me into it so here’s one of mine. An 1883 with die cracks. The last year of issue if I’m correct. No rays on this one either. Lol

 

Here’s one with a counter stamp. It’s an OIL OF ICE and was only place on three types of coins. I’m still looking for the last type as I have the other two.

 

I wish I hade one too. It’s so hard to guess coins grades if the never held one. But that don’t stop me

 

Was there a reason for taking out the rays?

 

The mint struggled with the new nickels. The composition was much harder than they were used to. The US mint had hoped that eliminating the rays would help eliminate the problems they were experiencing with the new nickel composition.

 

Here are my two type coins.

This "With Rays" type is now in an NCG MS-64 holder. I bought it raw years ago.



This is in a PCGS PR-66+ holder.

 

I'm drawn to anything round and shiny, or even not so shiny. LOL

The only ones I have are from circulation, so worn, and not really worth posting.

 

Here are my type set coins. Not particularly nice and will eventually be upgraded. I just have other priorities right now. Plus I'm not a fan of the design. But I probably shouldn't have mentioned that in this thread.

 

No, mine are secret or maybe not as nice as yours.

 

I gots nothing worth posting. I’ve never had a particularly pretty shield. Then again I’m not a big nickel fan of any type. I like my half dimes and silver fishscales

 

That ‘67 is a stunner, Randy. I love the color on that one.

I’ll have to dig out my nickels tomorrow and see if I can get some decent pictures.

 

Here's one of my two humble type coins. I have to admit, I bought it only as a type coin but I've come to appreciate how unique the shield nickel, 2-cent and 3-cent pieces are compared to the more conventional U.S. designs.

 

Here are some of mine.

 

How about a hard to find one. An 1883 3/2.

 

Impressive set of proofs!