Nickels

U.S. Nickels

Explore U.S. Nickels for Sale at LCR Coin, featuring certified Shield Nickels, Liberty Head V Nickels, Buffalo Nickels, and Jefferson Nickels. First introduced in 1866, the copper-nickel five-cent coin has undergone several distinctive design changes, reflecting important periods in American history and the evolution of United States coinage.

From the earliest Shield Nickels to the iconic American Buffalo design, collectors pursue U.S. nickels for their historical significance, scarce dates and mintmarks, recognized varieties, and exceptional certified grades.

Shield Nickels (1866–1883)

The Shield Nickel was introduced in 1866 as the United States Mint expanded its use of copper-nickel coinage following the Civil War. The new five-cent coin circulated alongside the smaller silver Half Dime, which remained in production until 1873.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Shield Nickel features a prominent shield on the obverse, symbolizing national unity and strength. The reverse displays a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars.

Early Shield Nickels featured rays between the stars on the reverse, but these were removed in 1867 following production difficulties. The series also includes important Proof-only issues, notable die varieties, and scarce dates.

Shield Nickels offer collectors an opportunity to explore the beginnings of America's familiar five-cent nickel denomination.

Liberty Nickels (1883–1912)

Introduced in 1883, the Liberty Head Nickel, commonly called the V Nickel, was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber.

The obverse features a classical portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet, while the reverse displays a large Roman numeral V representing the coin's denomination.

The original 1883 design omitted the word CENTS, leading some individuals to gold-plate the coins and attempt to pass them as five-dollar gold pieces. The Mint quickly revised the reverse to include CENTS, creating two distinct varieties for the first year of issue.

The Liberty Head Nickel series officially ended in 1912. However, five mysterious 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known to exist, making them among the most famous rarities in American numismatics.

Collectors pursue Liberty Head V Nickels by date, mintmark, grade, and variety, with key issues including the 1885, 1886, and 1912-S.

Buffalo Nickels (1913–1938)

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, was introduced in 1913 and designed by renowned American sculptor James Earle Fraser.

Fraser's design captures two iconic images of the American West. The obverse features a Native American portrait, while the reverse depicts an American bison standing on a raised mound or plain.

The Buffalo Nickel is widely admired for its distinctive American imagery and artistic detail. During its first year, the reverse was modified to place the denomination in a recessed area, creating the collectible Type 1 and Type 2 varieties.

Important Buffalo Nickel issues include the 1913-S Type 2, 1918/7-D overdate, and famous 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel.

Collectors also seek certified Buffalo Nickels with strong strikes, original surfaces, and exceptional preservation.

Jefferson Nickels (1938–Present)

The Jefferson Nickel was introduced in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel after 25 years of production.

Designed by Felix Schlag, the original coin featured a portrait of President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his Virginia home, Monticello, on the reverse.

During World War II, the composition of Jefferson Nickels changed temporarily to conserve nickel for military production. From 1942 through 1945, these special wartime issues contained 35% silver and are commonly known as Silver War Nickels.

In 2004 and 2005, the United States Mint introduced the Westward Journey Nickel Series, commemorating the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition. These coins featured special reverse designs, including the Peace Medal, Keelboat, American Bison, and Ocean in View.

In 2006, a new forward-facing portrait of Jefferson appeared on the obverse, while a redesigned depiction of Monticello returned to the reverse.

Jefferson Nickels offer collecting opportunities ranging from early silver wartime issues to Proof coins, scarce varieties, and high-grade certified examples displaying the desirable Full Steps designation.

Collecting Certified U.S. Nickels

U.S. nickels provide a wide range of collecting opportunities, whether assembling a complete date and mintmark collection, building a four-design type set, or pursuing scarce varieties and high-grade examples.

Collectors often focus on the historical significance of early Shield and Liberty Head Nickels, the artistic appeal of Buffalo Nickels, or the distinctive wartime and modern issues of the Jefferson Nickel series.

Factors such as original mintage, surviving populations, strike quality, condition, and recognized varieties can influence the appeal and value of individual coins.

Professional certification by PCGS, NGC, and CAC helps collectors evaluate authenticity, condition, and available grades.

Explore U.S. Nickels at LCR Coin

Browse our selection of Certified U.S. Nickels, including historic Shield Nickels, Liberty Head V Nickels, Buffalo Nickels, and Jefferson Nickels.

Whether searching for a particular date or mintmark, completing a classic nickel type set, or adding an exceptional certified example to an established collection, explore our available U.S. nickels.