Shield Nickel

More than a century ago during the Civil War years, gold as well as silver were amassed in huge proportions. Almost every coin in that era except the cent contained valuable metal. This in turn resulted to lack of small change. The low-value paper notes also known as shinplasters were disliked by many…especially merchants since they wore out very easily.

As a solution, in 1865, Mint Director James Pollock suggested the creation of a nickel five-cent piece to serve as a replacement to the hated paper notes. Having a shield as its obverse motif, this nickel five-cent piece came to known as the Shield Nickel…and it was on May 16, 1866 that these Shield Nickels were struck.

Originally, the coin’s reverse design had a circle composed of 13 stars, and there are rays between each pair of stars. However, this reverse design was removed a year later. Why? Many complained about it…the appearance closely resembled that of the Confederate Flag. Not to mention the high relief rays made the coin really hard to strike or produce. Heck! Even after the rays were removed, the Shield Nickel’s striking dies broke very often and repeatedly.

Since its base metal composition discouraged people from hoarding it which in turn made it possible for the Shield Nickel to circulate very widely, one can conclude that the Shield Nickel was a very effective replacement for the half dime.

Matter of fact, shortly after the Shield Nickel was brought to life…in 1873, the production or striking of the half dime was discontinued. However, just like its predecessor, the Shield Nickel was also replaced when Charles E. Barber was seated as the new Chief Engraver. With his own designs implemented on the US coinage, the Shield Nickel faded and the Liberty Head Nickel was brought to life in 1883.