1871 Shield Nickel — Coin Value
Shield NickelWhat the 1871 Shield Nickel is worth — ungraded vs graded (MS62 / MS66).
1871 Shield Nickel value — Ungraded $100 · MS62 $588 · MS66 $4,148. Prices updated July 2026.
Real sold prices per grade — the MS66 premium on this card is 41.5× raw.
Live on eBay right now
Which version do you have?
For the cheapest way to own an 1871 Shield Nickel, purchase the Standard version around $101. The PROOF version at $383 offers a higher quality presentation, typically with superior minting and packaging, which appeals to serious collectors. Buyers prioritizing accessibility should stick to the Standard, while those seeking top-tier display pieces should invest in the PROOF.
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Price data verified against · 1
Item details
- Series
- Shield Nickel
- Year
- 1871
1871 Shield Nickel value
A raw (ungraded) 1871 Shield Nickel runs around $100, a certified MS62 about $588, and a high-grade MS66 commands $4148.
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 | $100 | eBay sold comps |
| MS62 | $588 | eBay sold comps |
| MS66 | $4,148 | eBay sold comps |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the starting value for an ungraded 1871 Shield Nickel?
- An ungraded 1871 Shield Nickel can be valued starting around $96.
- How much more valuable is an MS66 compared to an MS62?
- An MS66 example is significantly more valuable, priced at $4237 compared to $588 for MS62.
- What is the highest recorded price for this coin?
- The highest listed price for the 1871 Shield Nickel is $4237 for an MS66 grade.