Price Guide for 1870 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: $15.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $64.00 – $10,281.25
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $1,390.00Uncirculated: $5.51 – $5,005.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $242.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $3,163.00
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eBayCirculated: $359.00 – $405.00Uncirculated: $285.00 – $1,236.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $44.00 – $252.00Uncirculated: $2,990.00
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eBayCirculated: $39.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $175.00Uncirculated: $3,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,880.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $61.00 – $646.25
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $174.00Uncirculated: $489.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,685.25
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $384.00 – $14,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $385.00 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Nickel
The 1870 Shield Nickel was part of the Shield Nickel series, which was first introduced in 1866. This coin played a significant role in the transition from silver half dimes to nickel five-cent pieces in the United States. The year 1870 saw a substantial mintage, reflecting the growing demand for small denomination coins in everyday commerce during the post-Civil War era.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, 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 1870 Shield Nickels. Due to their extensive circulation and the coin’s composition, which is prone to wear, high-grade examples are particularly scarce. Coins in Mint State condition, especially those grading MS65 or higher, command significant premiums.
The strike quality can vary considerably for this issue, with many examples showing weakness in the central areas of the design. Well-struck coins with full details are highly sought after by collectors. Original luster is another important factor, with coins retaining their original mint luster being more desirable.
Mintage: 4,806,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: 1870 Doubled Die Obverse
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
The 1870 Doubled Die Obverse variety is a notable error that can significantly increase the value of the coin. This variety shows doubling on the obverse, particularly visible on the date and some lettering.
Toning can also impact the desirability and value of 1870 Shield Nickels. Coins with attractive, natural toning are often preferred by collectors over those with no toning or artificial color.
Additionally, proofs were struck in 1870, with a mintage of 1,000. These proof issues are considerably rarer and more valuable than their circulation strike counterparts, especially in high grades.
