1870 Nickel MS Values

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1870 Nickel MS Values

Details

This date is the first from the Shield Nickel Series to boast a mintage under 8-figures making it scarcer than the1860’s issues yet still very common. Easily accessible in all grades until the gem level at which point the gems are slightly scarce. This issue is known to have die cracks and stars that appear repunched but are not because the initial strikes were just so strong.

Obverse: A shield flanked on the left and right by leaves topped with a cross with arrows positioned behind at the bottom so the arrow heads and shanks protrude at the sides. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the top periphery with the date positioned at the bottom center.

Reverse: A large numeral 5 surrounded by 13 stars centered in the design with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * CENTS around the periphery.

Basic Information

GSID:

2873

Coin Date:

1870

Denomination:

5c / 5 Cents

Designation:

MS

Mint & Coinage Details

Mint Location:

Philadelphia

Mintage:

4,806,000

Coinage Type:

Shield nickel

Coinage Years:

1867-1883

Composition:

75% copper; 25% nickel

Physical Characteristics

Weight:

5 gr

Weight:

0.1608 oz

Strike Type:

Business

Diameter:

20.5 mm

Coin Shape:

Round

Design Details

Designer:

James B. Longacre

Obverse Lettering:

IN GOD WE TRUST, 1870

Obverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

Reverse Lettering:

5, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CENTS

Reverse Designer:

James B. Longacre

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