1883 Shield Nickel. Last year of the first ever US Nickel coin. (PCGS AU-58)

Well, it was short lived, not exactly popular, and hard to strike. All these years later it is still a coin that doesn't get a lot of love or respect from collectors, and it's often overlooked. But for those who appreciate the origin of the nickel, this is an indispensable coin to have in one's collection. And it is rather striking once you get past the preconceived bias everyone has about it

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Yes it is. I am not a fellow that chases toned coins but some of these old nickels show some of the most striking rainbow hues. I love em.

 

Nice coin! I have several.

 

Here, a much better photo. Now you can see the extensive die cracking on the reverse.

 

People have compared the design of the Shield Nickel with a "tombstone." It was very similar to the Two Cent Piece, but somehow, it didn't come off as well.

I once had one of these coins with an attached lamination that was in a SEGS holder when I was a dealer. It was in MS-64, but the SEGS holder and the $500 price tag from the consigner kept it from selling.

 

Cool pickup