coins \ Coin \ United States of America \ 5c \ Shield Nickels \ 1871
The Shield Nickel, minted from 1866 to 1883, was the first five-cent piece struck by the United States after the Civil War. The 1871 Shield Nickel features an obverse design with the word "Liberty" in a shield surrounded by stars, while the reverse showcases a simple five-cent denomination encircled by a wreath. This coin is notable for its unique design and represents a transitional period in U.S. coinage, aiming to appeal to both collectors and the public. The 1871 version is particularly sought after by numismatists due to its historical significance and relative rarity compared to other years in the series.