1870 Nickel MS Values

Greysheet & Red Book® Price Guide

Sponsor

shop eBay

Sponsor

shop Whitman

Sponsor

shop Great Collections

Sponsor

shop

Sponsor

shop CAC

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

Feedback:

Available on Greysheet Marketplace

View All

Dealer Directory

View All Dealers
Cabrella
FEATURED

Greysheet News

View All News
Whitman Brings the Numismatic Community to Baltimore for its Premier Spring Coin Expo, March 5–7, 2026
Whitman Brings the Numismatic Community to Baltimore for its Premier Spring Coin Expo, March 5–7, 2026
2/27/2026

Three-Day Expo Brings Together Dealers, Collectors, and Investors Amid Strong Demand for Rare Coins and Paper Money

Legendary MEGA RED Catalog Returns, More Powerful Than Ever
Legendary MEGA RED Catalog Returns, More Powerful Than Ever
2/24/2026

Limited, Numbered Hardcover Edition Set to Debut for Author Signatures at the Whitman Spring Coin Expo in Baltimore, March 5, 2026

The Business of Numismatics: February 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
The Business of Numismatics: February 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
2/13/2026

We are only one month into 2026 and the rare coin market's momentum has continued to surge.