1866 [RAYS] Shield Nickel — Coin Value
Shield NickelWhat the 1866 [RAYS] Shield Nickel is worth — ungraded vs graded (MS62 / MS66).
1866 [RAYS] Shield Nickel value — Ungraded $17 · MS62 $546 · MS66 $4,270. Prices updated July 2026.
Real sold prices per grade — the MS66 premium on this card is 251.2× raw.
Live on eBay right now
Which version do you have?
To simply own an 1866 Shield Nickel, buy the RAYS for $17. The RAYS PROOF at $1912 offers a superior presentation, usually involving specialized packaging or mint-state grading, which appeals to serious collectors. If your goal is basic ownership, stick with the RAYS. If you seek the highest quality presentation for display, the PROOF is the investment.
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Item details
- Series
- Shield Nickel
- Year
- 1866
1866 [RAYS] Shield Nickel value
A raw (ungraded) 1866 [RAYS] Shield Nickel runs around $17, a certified MS62 about $546, and a high-grade MS66 commands $4270.
What drives the price
Grade, mint mark, strike quality, and key dates drive coin value. Certified (slabbed) coins carry a premium over raw; low-mintage years and full-strike examples appreciate the most.
Price guide
What this actually trades for — sold values by condition vs. what sellers are asking today
| Condition | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Ungraded | $17 | eBay sold comps |
| MS62 | $546 | eBay sold comps |
| MS66 | $4,270 | eBay sold comps |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the starting price for an ungraded 1866 Shield Nickel?
- Ungraded examples of the 1866 Shield Nickel can be found starting at $17.
- How much is a high-grade MS66 Shield Nickel worth?
- A high-grade MS66 1866 Shield Nickel is valued at $4029.
- Is the MS62 grade significantly more valuable than the ungraded version?
- Yes, the MS62 grade is valued at $547, representing a substantial increase over the ungraded price.