-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 47402
Checkout
The U.S. Shield Nickel of 1876 is an emblematic piece in the tapestry of American numismatics, offering a glimpse into the post-Civil War era of coinage. Introduced in 1866, the Shield Nickel was the first five-cent coin made of a copper-nickel alloy by the United States Mint and was minted until 1883. The design was a departure from the predominantly silver coinage of the era and reflected the nation’s industrial progress.
The coin’s face features a shield, a symbol of the United States, with a crossed laurel and oak wreath surrounding it. The shield's design, consisting of vertical stripes and a horizontal crossbar, represents the unity of the states within the nation. Above the shield, a cross sits atop a small circle, and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" arches over the top. This design is credited to James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint.
The reverse of the Shield Nickel depicts a large numeral '5', surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original colonies, and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Below the '5', the denomination is spelled out as "CENTS", ensuring clarity in the coin’s value. This simple yet effective design symbolized the nation's unity and strength in the aftermath of the Civil War.
The mintage of the 1876 Shield Nickel was relatively modest compared to other years in the series. 1876 was a year marked by the nation's centennial celebrations, a time of reflection and national pride. The Shield Nickel of this year thus holds a special historical significance as it was part of the currency during America's 100th anniversary.
In Fine condition, a 1876 Shield Nickel is a treasure for collectors. The coin shows moderate wear but retains most of its original design features. The shield on the obverse, while worn, maintains clear outlines of its structure. The stripes and crossbar of the shield, though smoothed, are still distinguishable. The wreath surrounding the shield retains its overall shape, with the individual leaves and branches identifiable but showing signs of wear. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date '1876' are legible, though they may exhibit some flattening. On the reverse, the large numeral '5' is prominent, with its contours and surfaces showing wear but still well defined. The surrounding stars and the lettering of "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "CENTS" are clear but may have lost some of their sharpness. The edges of the coin and the rim are generally well-preserved, contributing to the coin's overall aesthetic appeal.
The 1876 Shield Nickel is more than just a piece of currency; it is a historical artifact that encapsulates a crucial period in American history. It offers a tangible connection to the nation’s centennial year, a time of reconstruction and national identity building. For collectors, its allure lies not only in its rarity or condition but also in the narrative it carries—a narrative of resilience, unity, and the evolution of American coinage. This coin is a valuable addition to any collection, prized for both its numismatic significance and its historical context.