Description:
Offered here is an 1867 Shield Nickel with the No Rays reverse, in Good (G) condition. This early U.S. five-cent piece is part of the second-year issue of the series, struck at the Philadelphia Mint and featuring a simplified reverse without the rays between the stars. With full date readability and major design elements intact, this circulated example represents an affordable piece of 19th-century coinage history.
Specifications:
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Denomination: 5 Cents
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Year of Issue: 1867
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Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)
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Designer: James B. Longacre
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Series: Shield Nickel (1866–1883)
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Variety: No Rays Reverse
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Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
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Diameter: 20.5 mm
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Weight: 5 grams
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Grade: Raw – Good (G)
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Holder: Supplied in archival 2x2 flip
Highlights:
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No Rays reverse variety, introduced mid-1867 and used through 1883
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Bold Union shield design with arrows and cross on the obverse
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Simple reverse with “5” surrounded by stars without decorative rays
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Good condition – readable date and major design features present
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Early base-metal five-cent piece with Civil War and Reconstruction-era significance
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Designed by James B. Longacre, U.S. Mint Chief Engraver
Historical Note:
The Shield Nickel was introduced in 1866 as the first U.S. five-cent piece struck in a copper-nickel alloy. The original 1866–early 1867 design included rays around the central “5” on the reverse. However, this design caused production difficulties and was soon modified to the No Rays version in mid-1867.
According to the Official Red Book, both varieties were struck in 1867, making it a notable transitional year in the series. This No Rays example, though well-worn, is a historically important and budget-friendly entry into U.S. type coin collecting.
Want to compare with the 1866 Rays or collect both 1867 types? Reach out — we often carry both varieties and early nickels.
