coins \ Coin \ United States of America \ 5c \ Shield Nickels \ 1881 \ Philadelphia
Shield Nickels were minted by the United States from 1866 to 1883, featuring a distinctive shield design on the obverse. The 5-cent denomination was the first nickel coin produced in the U.S. The 1881 Shield Nickel, struck in Philadelphia, is notable for its simplicity and the use of a shield symbolizing protection. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, characterized by its unique design and historical significance in American numismatics. Collectors often seek the 1881 Shield Nickel for its representation of the early American nickel era.
