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The Shield nickel was the first United States five-cent piece to be made out of copper-nickel, the same alloy of which American nickels are struck today. Designed by James B. Longacre, the coin was issued from 1866 until 1883, when it was replaced by the Liberty Head nickel. The coin takes its name from the motif on its obverse, and was the first five-cent coin referred to as a "nickel"—silver pieces of that denomination had been known as half dimes. This created the unusual situation where two coins of the same value circulated simultaneously.
The first versions of the new Nickel included rays on the reverse, between the stars surrounding the large 5 at the center of the coin. These extra elements caused the coinage dies to fail early because of the extra pressure needed to strike the nickel alloy and to force the metal into the recesses of the dies.
Obverse
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The coat of arms from the Great Seal of the United States of America. The design focused on the shield, or escutcheon as a defensive weapon, symbolizing strength and self-protection through unity. The upper part of the shield, or "chief", symbolizes Congress, while the 13 vertical stripes, or "paleways" symbolize the states; consequently the entire escutcheon symbolizes the strength of the federal government through the unity of the states. The crossed arrows, whose ends are visible near the bottom of the shield, symbolize nonaggression, but imply readiness against attack. The laurel branches, taken from Greek tradition, symbolize victory. IN GOD WE TRUST |
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Reverse
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Denomination surrounded by stars, separated by rays. UNITED SATES OF AMERICA |
Edge |
5 Cents
Shield Nickel, With Rays
KM# 96
Characteristics
Material | Cupronickel |
Weight | 5 g |
Diameter | 20.5 mm |
Thickness | - |
Shape | round |
Alignment | Coin |
Mint |
Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark)
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