Price Guide for 1877 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 PriceUncirculated: $1,725.00 – $20,562.50
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eBayUncirculated: $3,650.00 – $5,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $950.00 – $3,191.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $8,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $2,275.00 – $2,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $7,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,900.00 – $2,950.00Uncirculated: $3,000.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,105.00 – $16,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,500.00 – $20,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1877 Nickel
The 1877 Shield Nickel is a significant coin in American numismatic history. It was part of the Shield Nickel series, which ran from 1866 to 1883. The year 1877 is particularly notable as it saw one of the lowest mintages in the series, making it a key date for collectors.
This coin was produced during a time of economic uncertainty following the Panic of 1873, which may have contributed to its low mintage. The Shield Nickel design was created to replace the silver half dime, which had become unpopular due to hoarding during the Civil War.
| 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 Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the roman numeral V, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1877 Shield Nickel has a significant impact on its value. Due to its low mintage and age, high-grade specimens are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
The strike quality is crucial for this issue, as many 1877 nickels were weakly struck. Well-struck examples with full shield lines on the obverse and clear wreath details on the reverse are more desirable. Original luster is also highly prized, as many circulated heavily before being collected.
Mintage: 510,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Repunched Date variety known
Market Demand: High, due to key date status and low survival rate
Several factors can further enhance the value of an 1877 Shield Nickel:
1. Repunched Date Variety: Examples with a repunched date are rarer and more valuable.
2. Prooflike surfaces: Some business strikes exhibit mirror-like fields, which can increase their desirability.
3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can add to the coin’s appeal and value.
4. Die State: Late die state examples showing interesting die cracks or other features may command a premium.
5. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or from famous collections can be more valuable.
