VINTAGE 1866 Shield Nickel With Rays First Year US Five Cent Coin

VINTAGE 1866 Shield Nickel With Rays – First Year US Five Cent Coin

A genuine 1866 Shield Nickel, representing the very first year of America's Shield five-cent coin.

This is the original "With Rays" design, easily recognized by the rays appearing between the stars surrounding the large numeral 5 on the reverse.

The obverse features the distinctive Union shield topped by a cross, with arrows and laurel branches below. The reverse carries the large denomination numeral surrounded by stars and rays, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and CENTS around the perimeter.

The coin has seen considerable circulation during its approximately 160-year life, and both sides show substantial honest wear, dark toning and surface marks consistent with its age and use. The date, shield, denomination and major design elements remain visible.

I have intentionally NOT assigned a numerical grade to this coin. The photographs and accompanying close-up video show the actual coin in considerable detail so collectors can evaluate its condition for themselves.

🪙 DETAILS

• Date: 1866
• Denomination: Five Cents
• Type: Shield Nickel
• Reverse: With Rays
• First year of the Shield Nickel series
• United States coin
• Actual coin shown is the coin you will receive

✨ CONDITION

Circulated vintage condition with substantial wear, toning and surface marks.

Please examine all photographs and the close-up video carefully. They are considered an important part of the description and provide the best representation of the coin's condition.

A fascinating survivor from 19th-century America and an affordable way to add a first-year Shield Nickel to a collection.

Shipping included in the US.