Only the 1879 and 1880 have lower mintages than this highly collectible 1881 in which 68,000 coins were minted originally. It is a tougher but accessible issue in all grades up to gem level where the coins become quite scarce. This date is known to have high-quality surfaces and pleasing eye appeal that, along with its scarcity, makes it very desirable.
| coinage-type | Shield nickel |
| desg | MS |
| designer | James B. Longacre |
| diameter | 20.5 |
| edge | Plain |
| material | 75% copper; 25% nickel |
| mintage | 68,800 |
| ngc-id | 276F |
| obverse-description | A shield flanked on the left and right by leaves topped with a cross with arrows positioned behind at the bottom so the arrow heads and shanks protrude at the sides. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the top periphery with the date positioned at the bottom center. |
| pcgs-link | 3811 |
| pcgs-number | 3811 |
| reverse-description | A large numeral 5 surrounded by 13 stars centered in the design with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * CENTS around the periphery. |
| weight-grams | 5 |
| year-display | 1867-1883 |