Rare 1885 Shield Nickel Sells for $199,750 – In the world of coin collecting, even small denominations can carry surprising value. A recent auction proved just that when a 1885 Shield Nickel sold for an impressive $199,750, catching the attention of collectors and casual hobbyists alike.
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Why Is the 1885 Shield Nickel So Valuable?
The Shield Nickel was produced by the U.S. Mint from 1866 to 1883 and was the first five-cent piece made with a copper-nickel composition. Although most examples from the 1870s and early 1880s are fairly common, certain dates stand out due to low mintages and limited survival rates.
Also Read: Rare 1964 Jefferson Nickel with Accented Hair Sells for Over $100,000
The 1885 Shield Nickel is one such rarity. With a total mintage of just 2,050,000 coins, it ranks among the lowest-mintage regular-issue Shield Nickels. More importantly, very few high-grade examples have survived to this day. Most found today show heavy wear or damage, making well-preserved specimens extremely scarce.
The example that sold for nearly $200,000 was graded Proof-65 Cameo by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), indicating it was specially struck for collectors and retains sharp contrast between its mirrored surfaces and frosted design elements.
What to Look For
If you’re curious whether you might own a valuable 1885 Shield Nickel, here’s what to check:
- Date & Type: Make sure it’s a Shield Nickel (1866–1883) and not the later Liberty Head or Buffalo Nickels.
- Condition: High-grade coins with minimal wear or original luster can be worth significantly more.
- Mint Mark: The 1885 was only struck at the Philadelphia Mint, so there is no mint mark — but that doesn’t make it any less rare.
Also Read: Why Collectors Pay $460K for the 1919-D Buffalo Nickel
Final Thoughts
While most Shield Nickels are affordable and widely collected, key dates like the 1885 prove that even a five-cent coin can become a major treasure in the right condition. Whether you inherited a box of old coins or just enjoy sifting through pocket change, it’s always worth checking your nickels — you never know what could be hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
Why is the 1885 Shield Nickel valuable?
It has a low mintage and few high-quality examples survive today.
How much did it sell for?
A rare 1885 Shield Nickel sold at auction for $199,750.
Was the 1885 Shield Nickel minted in multiple locations?
No, it was only produced at the Philadelphia Mint and carries no mint mark.
What grade was the coin that sold for nearly $200,000?
It was graded Proof-65 Cameo by PCGS, indicating exceptional quality.
How many 1885 Shield Nickels were made?
Just 2,050,000, making it one of the scarcer regular-issue Shield Nickels.
