U.S. Mint coin reference

1866–1867: Shield Nickel (Variety 1: With Rays Between Stars on Reverse)

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Toned 1867 Shield nickel with stars and rays around the reverse, obverse left and reverse right

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1866-1867

Country: United States

Denomination: Five cents

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel

Silver fineness: None

Silver weight: 0.00 oz ASW

Weight: 5.00 g

Diameter: 20.5 mm

Thickness: 1.95 mm

Edge: Plain

Designer: James B. Longacre

Design identification

1866–1867: Shield Nickel (Variety 1: With Rays Between Stars on Reverse) history

1866–1867: Shield Nickel (Variety 1: With Rays Between Stars on Reverse) launched the copper-nickel five-cent denomination in 1866. Rays placed between the reverse stars made the dies crowded and contributed to striking problems.

The rays were removed during 1867, creating the longer-lived second subtype. Shield detail, reverse rays, date, die cracks, and planchet quality are essential identification points.