Shield Nickel

About Our Coins
Why Buy from LCR?

At LCR Coin, we specialize in certified rare coins, modern collectibles, Pre-1933 gold, and precious metals backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Whether you are building a collection, investing in gold and silver, or searching for sought-after modern releases, we focus on offering quality products backed by respected grading services and professional customer support.

We specialize in certified coins from leading grading companies including NGC, PCGS, and CAC, along with premium U.S. Mint releases, low-mintage issues, and advanced designation coins. Every order is handled with care, secure packaging, and a commitment to transparency from purchase to delivery.

  • Certified coins from industry-leading grading services
  • Family-owned with over 35 years of industry experience
  • Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
  • Secure insured shipping and professional packaging
  • Collector focused customer service and support
  • Carefully curated inventory of rare and modern coin

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shipping free?

Yes.

  • Orders $349 and over ship FREE with full insurance within the United States.
  • Orders under $349 are charged a minimum $16.95 insured shipping fee.
How do pre-orders work at LCR Coin?

Pre-order pricing is locked in and charged in full at the time of purchase. As precious metals prices and U.S. Mint issue prices change, future inventory is often higher. Your pre-order secures both your price and your allocation.

You may cancel your pre-order at any time prior to fulfillment for a full refund. However, if you choose to place a new order later, it will be subject to current market pricing and availability.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on each product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint, grading service, or supplier release schedules.

Are your coins certified by PCGS, NGC, and CAC?

Yes. LCR Coin proudly offers a wide selection of coins certified and graded by the industry’s leading third-party grading companies, including PCGS, NGC, and CAC.

Why buy from LCR Coin?

LCR Coin has been a trusted rare coin and precious metals dealer for over 30 years, offering certified rare coins, modern releases, and gold & silver bullion from the industry’s leading grading services.

As an Authorized Dealer for PCGS, NGC, and CAC, we are committed to providing collectors and investors with high-quality certified coins, competitive pricing, secure shipping, and exceptional customer service.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on the product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint or supplier release schedules. 

More About This Collection

Shield Nickels:

The Shield Nickel is the first five cent coin issued by the United States that did not contain any silver. It was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the US mint in 1866. Longacre based his design on the successful Two Cent Piece he also designed in 1864. 

Longacre wanted a coin symbolizing the unity now of the formerly Northern and Southern states. He took elements from his Two Cent piece and incorporated them into this coin design.

As its name implies, the obverse is dominated by a large American shield, with IN GOD WE TRUST and the date. The reverse had a large numeral 5 in the center surrounded by 13 six-pointed stars, with the sun’s rays between the stars. Above the stars were the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the word “CENTS” was at the bottom under the numeral.

First struck in 1866, the coin was hard to strike up and display all of the detail. By 1867, the coin was redesigned part way through the year to eliminate the rays to make striking easier. As with other non-silver coins, they were welcomed after the Civil War, but as coins became more plentiful, their lack of silver lead to a lack of interest.

Mintages dropped off considerably by the 1870s and the last two years – 1877 and 1878 – saw only Proof coins for collectors struck by the Mint.