The 1870 Shield Nickel represents an important year in the first nickel five-cent series produced by the United States Mint. As the fourth year of production for Shield Nickels (1866-1883), the 1870 issue features several interesting varieties and errors that make it a compelling pursuit for collectors. This comprehensive guide examines the 1870 Shield Nickel’s history, specifications, values, notable varieties, and authentication techniques to help collectors make informed decisions.
Essential Specifications
The 1870 Shield Nickel follows the standard specifications established for the five-cent nickel series that began in 1866:
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight: 5.0 grams (tolerance range: 4.8-5.2 grams)
Diameter: 20.5mm (tolerance range: 20.3-20.7mm)
Edge: Plain
Designer: James B. Longacre
Mint Mark Location: None present (all struck at Philadelphia)
Mintage: 4,806,000 pieces
The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent piece composed of a copper-nickel alloy, replacing the previous silver half dime. The Philadelphia Mint struck all 1870 Shield Nickels, as branch mints did not produce this denomination until later years.
Design Elements
Obverse
The obverse features a large shield with the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arranged across the top of the shield on a scroll. The shield contains vertical stripes representing the original states, with a cross at the top representing the unity of the nation. The date “1870” appears below the shield.
Reverse
The reverse displays a large numeral “5” surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original colonies. The denomination “CENTS” appears at the bottom, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircling the top border.
Mintage Information
The 1870 Shield Nickel had a mintage of 4,806,000 pieces at the Philadelphia Mint. While not the lowest mintage in the series, the survival rate of high-grade examples is relatively low due to:
- Heavy circulation during the post-Civil War economic expansion
- The copper-nickel composition’s susceptibility to wear
- Poor striking characteristics of the design
According to PCGS population reports, fewer than 200 examples survive in Mint State 65 or better, making high-grade specimens particularly desirable to collectors.
Value Analysis by Grade
The following values represent current market conditions based on recent PCGS Price Guide data and Heritage Auction results as of April 2025:
| Grade | PCGS Value | Recent Auction Results |
| G-4 | $15-18 | $12-20 |
| VG-8 | $20-25 | $18-28 |
| F-12 | $30-35 | $25-40 |
| VF-20 | $45-55 | $40-60 |
| EF-40 | $90-110 | $85-125 |
| AU-50 | $175-200 | $160-220 |
| MS-60 | $275-325 | $250-350 |
| MS-63 | $450-500 | $425-550 |
| MS-65 | $1,500-1,800 | $1,400-2,000 |
| MS-66 | $3,500-4,000 | $3,200-4,500 |
| MS-67 | $12,000-15,000 | $11,000-17,500 |
Values can vary significantly based on strike quality, luster, and the presence of any varieties or errors. The relatively soft metal used for Shield Nickels often resulted in weak strikes, making well-struck examples command substantial premiums.
Major Varieties and Die Characteristics
The 1870 Shield Nickel features several important varieties that collectors should be aware of. These varieties are classified using the FS (Fivaz-Stanton) attribution system in the “Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties.”
1870 Reverse of 1869 (FS-901)
This variety features the earlier reverse design with semi-rounded rays between the stars. The Reverse of 1869 is the scarcer of the two major reverse types for 1870.
Authentication Tip: Examine the rays between the stars on the reverse. The Reverse of 1869 shows semi-rounded rays that are wider at their bases and taper toward the central numeral “5.”
1870 Reverse of 1870 (Standard Issue)
The standard issue features redesigned rays on the reverse that are more parallel-sided throughout their length, creating a cleaner appearance.
Authentication Tip: The rays on the Reverse of 1870 maintain a more consistent width from base to tip, appearing more straight-sided than on the Reverse of 1869.
[SUGGESTED IMAGE: Side-by-side comparison of 1869 and 1870 reverse varieties]
1870 Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)
A scarce doubled die showing strong doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and date. This variety commands a significant premium, typically selling for 3-5 times the value of a standard 1870 Shield Nickel in the same grade.
Authentication Tip: Use magnification to examine the motto and date. Genuine examples show clear doubling, particularly on the letters “GOD” and the numerals in the date.
Notable Errors
Shield Nickels are known for production irregularities due to the challenging nature of the copper-nickel alloy and the striking technology of the period. The 1870 issue presents several collectible error types:
Misaligned Dies
Misaligned die errors occur when the hammer die is not properly centered over the anvil die. On 1870 Shield Nickels, this resulted in part of the design appearing off-center while the opposing side remained properly centered.
Value Impact: Depending on the severity of misalignment, these errors can command premiums of 100-300% over standard specimens in the same grade.
Struck Through Errors
These occur when foreign material comes between the die and planchet during striking. Common examples include:
- Struck Through Grease: Results in a soft, muted appearance in affected areas
- Struck Through Fabric: Shows textile impression in the coin’s surface
- Struck Through Die Cap: Creates a dramatic depression in the struck coin
Value Impact: Minor struck-through errors typically add 50-100% premium, while dramatic examples can sell for $500-2,500 depending on eye appeal and severity.
Clipped Planchets
Curved clip errors occur when a planchet punch overlaps a previously punched area of the metal strip. These present as smooth, curved indentations in the coin’s edge.
Authentication Tip: Genuine clips show displacement of metal on the opposite side from the clip (known as the “Blakesley Effect”), while artificially damaged coins do not exhibit this characteristic.
Value Impact: Depending on the size and position of the clip, these errors typically command a 100-400% premium over standard coins.
Grading Challenges Specific to 1870 Shield Nickels
Shield Nickels present unique grading challenges due to their design and metallurgical characteristics:
Strike Quality Assessment
The 1870 Shield Nickel often exhibits weakness in the shield’s upper portion (particularly the horizontal lines) and on the reverse stars. This weakness results from:
- The opposing high points of the design
- The hardness of the copper-nickel alloy
- Insufficiently high striking pressure
Grading Tip: A well-struck 1870 Shield Nickel showing full shield lines and complete reverse stars can command a 20-50% premium over typical examples.
Surface Preservation
The copper-nickel composition is prone to several distinctive issues:
- Carbon Spots: Small brown or black spots that form due to trapped moisture during storage
- Streaking: Uneven metal flow resulting in raised lines in the planchet
- Die Polishing Lines: Linear striations resulting from die preparation
Grading Tip: Examples free from carbon spots and with clean surfaces command significant premiums, particularly in grades above MS-63.
Luster Assessment
Shield Nickels typically display a distinctive satiny luster rather than the cartwheel effect seen on many other coin types. Proper luster assessment requires:
- Examining under proper lighting conditions (preferably natural light)
- Rotating the coin to observe the luster flow across the entire surface
- Distinguishing between natural luster and artificial brightening
Authentication Tip: Genuine uncirculated 1870 Shield Nickels display consistent, unbroken luster flowing across the surface. Artificially brightened specimens often show an unnatural brilliance with disrupted luster patterns.
Authentication Guide
Counterfeit 1870 Shield Nickels are relatively uncommon but do exist. Here are key authentication points:
Die Characteristics
Genuine coins show precise detail in the shield’s horizontal and vertical lines, with crisp border denticles (when well-struck).
Counterfeit indicators include mushy shield details, improperly formed letters, and incorrect spacing between stars on the reverse.
Weight and Composition Testing
Authentic 1870 Shield Nickels should weigh approximately 5.0 grams with slight variances due to wear and production tolerances.
Counterfeit detection can involve specific gravity testing, which should yield a result of approximately 8.9 for genuine copper-nickel coins.
Edge Examination
Genuine coins display a plain edge with slight rounding from the minting process.
Counterfeit indicators include seams, filing marks, or irregularities on the edge that suggest casting or other improper manufacturing techniques.
Preservation Considerations
The copper-nickel composition of Shield Nickels presents specific conservation challenges:
- Storage Environment: Maintain low humidity (below 50%) to prevent progressive spotting
- Handling Technique: Use cotton gloves or hold by edges to prevent oils from transferring to the surface
- Container Selection: Opt for inert holders free from PVC or sulfur compounds
Conservation Tip: Never attempt to clean or remove spots from Shield Nickels, as improper techniques can cause permanent damage and significant value reduction.
Recent Significant Auction Results
Notable 1870 Shield Nickel specimens that have appeared at major auctions include:
- MS-67 1870 Shield Nickel: Realized $16,450 (Heritage Auctions, January 2025)
- MS-66 1870 Doubled Die Obverse: Realized $11,750 (Heritage Auctions, September 2024)
- AU-58 1870 Reverse of 1869: Realized $3,450 (Stack’s Bowers, November 2024)
These results demonstrate the strong collector interest in high-grade examples and significant varieties of this issue.
Market Trends and Collecting Strategy
The market for 1870 Shield Nickels has shown steady appreciation over the past decade, with particular strength in:
- High-grade (MS-65+) examples with clean surfaces
- Well-struck coins showing full shield details
- Major varieties, particularly the Doubled Die Obverse and Reverse of 1869
For collectors with limited budgets, quality circulated examples (VF-20 to AU-50) represent excellent value, providing detail appreciation while avoiding the premium prices commanded by uncirculated specimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I distinguish between natural and artificial toning on an 1870 Shield Nickel?
Natural toning on Shield Nickels typically presents as subtle champagne or light gray tones developing evenly across the surface. Artificial toning often appears unnaturally vibrant or shows unusual patterns and color combinations. Examine the recessed areas carefully—natural toning accumulates gradually in protected areas first, while artificial toning often affects elevated and recessed areas more uniformly.
Why are some 1870 Shield Nickels so weakly struck?
The Shield Nickel design presented technical challenges for the Philadelphia Mint. The opposing high points on obverse and reverse, combined with the hardness of the copper-nickel alloy, made full strikes difficult to achieve. Additionally, die wear progressed rapidly with this composition, further degrading strike quality as dies aged. Well-struck examples are scarce and command significant premiums.
Is it worth getting my 1870 Shield Nickel professionally graded?
Professional grading is recommended for 1870 Shield Nickels in Extremely Fine (EF-40) condition or better, as well as for any potential varieties or errors. The investment in professional authentication and grading (approximately $30-50 per coin) is justified for specimens potentially worth over $100. For lower-grade examples, the grading cost may exceed any potential value enhancement unless a significant variety is suspected.
Has the 1870 Shield Nickel outperformed other coins as an investment?
When comparing performance over the past 20 years, high-grade (MS-65 and above) 1870 Shield Nickels have appreciated approximately 5-7% annually, outpacing inflation but slightly underperforming certain other 19th-century series. The greatest appreciation has occurred in properly attributed varieties and exceptionally well-struck examples with clean surfaces, which have seen gains of 8-10% annually due to increasing collector sophistication and recognition of quality.
Conclusion
The 1870 Shield Nickel represents an accessible yet challenging pursuit for collectors interested in 19th-century American coinage. With its interesting varieties, distinctive error types, and challenging grading characteristics, this issue rewards careful study and selection. Whether focusing on assembling a date set of Shield Nickels or specializing in the varieties of a specific year, collectors will find the 1870 issue offers substantial opportunity for discovery and appreciation.
For collectors seeking maximum value retention and growth potential, focus on examples with:
- Superior strike quality, particularly in the shield’s horizontal lines
- Clean, spot-free surfaces
- Original, undisturbed luster or natural toning
- Proper attribution of significant varieties
By applying the information in this guide, collectors can make informed decisions when purchasing, attributing, and grading 1870 Shield Nickels, enhancing both their collections and their enjoyment of this fascinating series.