Shield Nickel (1866-83) Value
Current market data for Shield Nickels minted between 1866 and 1883.
What you'll usually pay
👉 In short easy summary
The highest value is found in CAC certified coins, which command a 171% premium over the median. Conversely, ungraded and uncertified coins offer the lowest entry point, with ungraded listings trading at 45% below the market median.
💚 Best value for your money
Price by certification
Why? Professional grading significantly increases value, with CAC at 230 and Uncertified at 64.47.
Price by grade
Why? High-grade mint state coins command a premium, ranging from 46.52 for ungraded to 248.5 for MS 62.
Price by year
Why? Value varies by mintage year, with 1866 at 65 and 1869 at 29.35.
Price by variety
Why? Specific minting varieties impact price, with 'Closed 3' at 55 and 'With Rays' at 39.25.
🛒 Some on sale right now
Common questions
What is the median price for a Shield Nickel?
The market median price is 85.
How much more are NGC certified coins worth compared to the median?
NGC certified coins have a median price of 169.5, representing a 99% increase over the market median.
Which year has the lowest median value?
The 1869 Shield Nickel has the lowest median value at 29.35.
How we got these numbers
Worked out from 200 live eBay listings (price range $11–$292, odd outliers ignored). These are asking prices, so use them as a guide. Last checked July 14, 2026.