Price Guide for 1868 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $299.00Uncirculated: $63.00 – $7,637.50
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $340.00Uncirculated: $53.00 – $1,299.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $190.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $475.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1,199.00 – $1,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $338.00 – $690.00Uncirculated: $546.00 – $600.00
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eBayCirculated: $85.00 – $306.00Uncirculated: $181.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $329.00Uncirculated: $720.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.00 – $229.00Uncirculated: $510.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 – $212.00Uncirculated: $324.00 – $1,680.00
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eBayCirculated: $72.45Uncirculated: $243.58
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $49.00 – $223.00Uncirculated: $252.00 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $200.00Uncirculated: $570.00 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $235.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $1,080.00
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eBayCirculated: $60.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $157.00 – $712.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00Uncirculated: $750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $247.51Uncirculated: $219.00 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $245.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,245.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $106.00 – $230.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,650.00 – $2,070.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,080.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,116.00 – $2,115.00
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eBayCirculated: $687.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $299.00
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eBayCirculated: $155.66
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00
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eBayCirculated: $104.16
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $499.38 – $3,120.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $210.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $102.30 – $132.00Uncirculated: $377.22 – $823.00
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eBayCirculated: $67.00 – $152.51
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $46.03
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eBayCirculated: $160.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $299.00Uncirculated: $3.65 – $4,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $280.00 – $1,835.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,910.00 – $9,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1868 Nickel
The 1868 Shield Nickel was part of the Shield Nickel series, which was first introduced in 1866. This coin represented a significant change in American coinage, as it was one of the first base metal five-cent pieces, replacing the silver half dime. The design symbolized strength and unity following the Civil War, with the shield on the obverse representing defense of the country.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Shield with arrows and olive branch, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the numeral '5', designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1868 Shield Nickels. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, it becomes increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Examples in MS65 or better are quite rare and command significant premiums.
The strike quality can vary significantly for this issue, with many coins showing weakness in the central areas. Well-struck examples with full shield details on the obverse and clear wreath details on the reverse are highly desirable. Luster is another important factor, with coins retaining original mint luster being more valuable.
Mintage: 28,817,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Repunched Date varieties exist
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Toning can significantly impact the value of 1868 Shield Nickels. Natural, attractive toning is often prized by collectors, especially if it enhances the coin’s appearance without obscuring details. However, unattractive or artificial toning can detract from the coin’s value.
Die varieties, such as repunched dates, can add premium value to the coin, especially for variety collectors. The presence of any mint errors, like off-center strikes or die cracks, can also increase the coin’s worth.
Lastly, the overall eye appeal of the coin is a subjective but important factor. Coins with a pleasing overall appearance, good strike, and minimal contact marks or blemishes will generally command higher prices in the marketplace.
