1866-1867 Shield Nickel with Rays Fine

Product Description

Minted after the Civil War to replace fractional currency, this was America's first nickel 5 cent piece. The Mint's chief engraver, James B. Longacre, created the obverse design based on his previous 2 cent piece: shown is the familiar U.S. shield surrounded by laurel branches. The reverse of these early 1866 and 1867 issues include 13 rays between the 13 stars representing the original colonies. Later in 1867 the rays were removed due to minting difficulties. In the 17 years of issue, just 15% of Shield nickels were minted with rays. Well-preserved Fine quality. Date of our choice.