1881 Shield Nickel — Coin Value
Shield NickelWhat the 1881 Shield Nickel is worth — ungraded vs graded (MS62 / MS66).
1881 Shield Nickel value — Ungraded $357 · MS62 $1,575 · MS66 $56,686. Prices updated July 2026.
Real sold prices per grade — the MS66 premium on this card is 158.8× raw.
Live on eBay right now
Which version do you have?
For the cheapest ownership, purchase the Standard 1881 Shield Nickel at around $353. The PROOF version, priced at $733, offers a superior presentation, typically featuring higher quality minting and specialized packaging. Collectors prioritizing investment or display should opt for the PROOF, while those simply wanting the coin should stick to the Standard.
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Price data verified against · 1
Item details
- Series
- Shield Nickel
- Year
- 1881
1881 Shield Nickel value
A raw (ungraded) 1881 Shield Nickel runs around $357, a certified MS62 about $1575, and a high-grade MS66 commands $56686.
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 | $357 | eBay sold comps |
| MS62 | $1,575 | eBay sold comps |
| MS66 | $56,686 | eBay sold comps |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the approximate value of an ungraded 1881 Shield Nickel?
- An ungraded 1881 Shield Nickel is valued around $351.
- How much more valuable is an MS66 compared to an MS62?
- An MS66 1881 Shield Nickel is valued at $55,920, significantly higher than the MS62 grade of $1,575.
- What is the highest recorded price for this coin?
- The highest recorded price for the 1881 Shield Nickel is $55,920 in MS66 condition.
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