As of May, 2024, a 1871 Nickel in circulated condition is worth between $275.00 and $325.00, while an uncirculated specimen can be valued between $350.00 and $6,500.00, depending on its grade and strike quality.

Looking back at auction records, the highest price was achieved by a Mint State grade that was hammered at $11,750.00 in the 11/16/2012 by renowned auctioneer Stack's Bowers, showcasing the allure of top-tier rarities.

Designer: James Barton Longacre
Edge: Plain
Diameter: 20.50 millimeters
Weight: 5.00 grams
Mintage: 960
Mint: Philadelphia
Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Series: Shield Five Cents 1866-1883

1871 Nickel (Proof) – Price Chart

If you are aware of your coin’s grade, refer to the following chart to determine its value:

GradePrice($)
MS-67+6,500.00
MS-675,500.00
MS-66+2,000.00
MS-661,500.00
MS-65+1,250.00
MS-651,000.00
MS-64+750.00
MS-64600.00
MS-63+550.00
MS-63500.00
MS-62+450.00
MS-62400.00
MS-61375.00
MS-60350.00
AU-58+325.00
AU-58300.00
AU-55+285.00
AU-55275.00

If you are unsure of the grade, you can assess it based on the coin’s condition. More detailed information here.

GradeLowest Price($)Highest Price($)Average Price($)
Mint State350.006,500.001,551.79
About Uncirculated275.00325.00296.25

Please note that the estimated values are derived from the latest data in the PCGS Price Guide and are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. We strongly recommend reviewing actual auction records, which can be filtered by grade. For further insights, refer to our analysis report, which is based on these data.

Also, there are multiple versions of the 1871 Shield Nickel. We recommend checking the values of these coins as well to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

Coin NameMin Circulated Price($)Max Circulated Price($)Min Uncirculated Price($)Max Uncirculated Price($)
1871 Nickel (Regular Strike)100.00750.00800.005,500.00
1871 Nickel RPD FS-301 (Regular Strike)N/AN/A1,250.001,250.00
1871 Nickel, DCAM (Proof)N/AN/A8,000.0012,500.00
1871 Nickel, CAM (Proof)N/AN/A600.0010,000.00

Coins listed have various mint marks and designations indicating where they were minted and if they are special strikes. To learn more about what the different mint marks and designations mean, please refer to our Mint Mark Chart and Coin Designation Reference Chart.

1871 Nickel (Proof) – Auction Chart & Report

This tool is very user-friendly. Simply select the coin grade, and our system will provide detailed information including:

  • Lowest Sale Price
  • Highest Sale Price
  • Average Sale Price
  • Most Recent Sale Price
  • Number of Sales
  • Sales Volume

You can also select different time periods for your query: 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or All time, with the default set to All time.

Grade:
1m 6m 1y 3y All

$55.00

Lowest Sale Price
$1,265.00

Highest Sale Price
$483.77

Average Sale Price
$504.00

Most Recent Sale Price
72

Number of Sales
$34,831.21

Sales Volume

Grade Impact Analysis

GradeLowest Price($)Highest Price($)Average Price($)
MS-672,640.0011,750.004,778.23
MS-66+760.003,290.001,515.16
MS-66720.003,335.001,236.84
MS-6521.001,880.00858.11
MS-64+432.00432.00432.00
MS-6455.001,265.00483.77
MS-63252.00587.50346.53
MS-62211.50322.00265.09
MS-61192.00258.50225.25
MS-60169.20312.00240.60
AU-55138.00138.00138.00

The chart shows the min and max prices for the 1871 Nickel (Proof) coin across various grades from AU-55 to MS-67. The prices generally increase as the grade improves, with MS-67 having the highest max price $11,750.00.

Within each grade, there is also variability in prices, likely due to factors like specific coin characteristics or market conditions at time of sale. Overall, the chart illustrates how coin grade is a key driver of value for this particular 1871 Nickel (Proof).

Auction House Comparison

The pie chart breaks down the market share of various auction houses for selling the 1871 Nickel (Proof) coin. Heritage Auctions dominates with 70.89% share, followed by Stack's Bowers / David Lawrence RC with 11.39% / 5.06% appearances respectively..

Price Trend Over Time

The graph presents a detailed analysis of the average annual auction sale price and frequency for the 1871 Nickel (Proof) coin over the years. This visual representation traces the coin's value fluctuations, illustrating periods of increase, decrease, or stability in its average auction price.

Such a historical view is indispensable for collectors, investors, or researchers who are keen on comprehending the market dynamics and the coin's value trend over an extended period.

Raw Auction Records

Here are the lasted auction records from the auction history of the past years. You can filter these records by coin grade.

GradeGrade SourceSellerPrice($)Sold Date
MS-65PCGSStack's Bowers720.0008/24/2023
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions780.0004/10/2023
MS-65PCGSStack's Bowers840.0003/29/2023
MS-64PCGSStack's Bowers504.0003/29/2023
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions1,020.0002/20/2023
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions660.0002/15/2023
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions456.0012/28/2022
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions468.0012/28/2022
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions870.0011/16/2022
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions690.0011/02/2022
MS-65PCGSDavid Lawrence RC875.0009/25/2022
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions1,140.0009/06/2022
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions630.0007/21/2022
MS-67NGCStack's Bowers2,640.0006/17/2022
MS-64PCGSStack's Bowers408.0004/13/2022
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions504.0003/16/2022
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions517.2012/29/2021
MS-64PCGSGoldberg Auctioneers450.0009/29/2021
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions662.4008/25/2021
MS-66PCGSStack's Bowers930.0008/25/2021
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions690.0008/25/2021
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions660.0006/23/2021
MS-60PCGSStack's Bowers312.0006/16/2021
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions690.0004/14/2021
MS-63PCGSHeritage Auctions336.0003/31/2021
MS-62PCGSStack's Bowers264.0003/31/2021
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions690.0001/20/2021
MS-63PCGSStack's Bowers528.0011/18/2020
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions870.0011/04/2020
MS-64+NGCHeritage Auctions432.0010/21/2020
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions528.0010/17/2020
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions1,080.0010/14/2020
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions432.0009/09/2020
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions840.0005/20/2020
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions720.0003/18/2020
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions900.0003/15/2020
MS-65PCGSStack's Bowers690.0002/18/2020
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions750.0012/04/2019
MS-63PCGSHeritage Auctions300.0010/30/2019
MS-67NGCStack's Bowers2,760.0008/20/2019
MS-64PCGSDavid Lawrence RC425.0007/07/2019
MS-63PCGSDavid Lawrence RC300.0006/23/2019
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions384.0005/01/2019
MS-63PCGSHeritage Auctions288.0002/06/2019
MS-63NGCHeritage Auctions252.0012/19/2018
MS-67PCGSHeritage Auctions3,840.0011/11/2018
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions844.8011/11/2018
MS-61NGCHeritage Auctions192.0010/10/2018
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions672.0009/09/2018
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions336.0008/29/2018
MS-67PCGSHeritage Auctions2,640.0006/17/2018
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions840.0004/29/2018
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions384.0003/27/2018
MS-62PCGSHeritage Auctions228.0003/20/2018
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions408.0003/20/2018
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions372.0002/13/2018
MS-66+PCGSStack's Bowers960.0011/08/2017
MS-66+PCGSHeritage Auctions1,440.0009/19/2017
MS-66+NGCBonham's760.0009/05/2017
MS-66+PCGSHeritage Auctions1,116.2508/02/2017
MS-66NGCStack's Bowers1,527.5008/01/2017
MS-64PCGSStack's Bowers423.0006/21/2017
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions910.6304/04/2017
MS-64PCGSStack's Bowers646.2503/29/2017
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,057.5001/04/2017
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions793.1301/04/2017
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions399.5012/27/2016
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions616.8810/31/2016
MS-64PCGSDavid Lawrence RC450.0010/10/2016
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions881.2509/07/2016
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,028.1309/07/2016
MS-61PCGSHeritage Auctions258.5008/23/2016
MS-67NGCHeritage Auctions3,525.0008/10/2016
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions364.2503/15/2016
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,057.5003/03/2016
MS-66+PCGSHeritage Auctions2,232.5002/04/2016
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions364.2501/10/2016
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions616.8801/06/2016
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions376.0012/27/2015
MS-66+NGCHeritage Auctions1,057.5012/03/2015
MS-66+PCGSHeritage Auctions3,290.0010/29/2015
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions881.2510/29/2015
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,175.0010/28/2015
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,410.0008/16/2015
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions1,116.2508/16/2015
MS-64NGCStack's Bowers646.2507/20/2015
MS-67PCGSHeritage Auctions7,637.5005/12/2015
MS-65PCGSStack's Bowers1,880.0003/06/2015
MS-65PCGSStack's Bowers1,351.2502/06/2015
MS-60ANACSHeritage Auctions169.2002/03/2015
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions763.7502/01/2015
MS-63NGCHeritage Auctions352.5001/18/2015
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions646.2501/07/2015
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions822.5001/07/2015
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions998.7501/07/2015
MS-62PCGSHeritage Auctions211.5001/04/2015
MS-63PCGSHeritage Auctions587.5010/08/2014
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions646.2506/04/2014
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions499.3804/23/2014
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions646.2504/23/2014
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions881.2502/27/2014
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions646.2501/08/2014
MS-64NGCStack's Bowers387.7512/10/2013
MS-64PCGSStack's Bowers446.5011/08/2013
MS-63NGCStack's Bowers332.5307/27/2013
MS-65NGCScotsman805.0007/26/2013
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions382.0007/11/2013
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions411.0003/21/2013
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions529.0002/07/2013
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions382.0001/09/2013
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions941.0011/29/2012
MS-62PCGSStack's Bowers289.0511/16/2012
MS-67PCGSStack's Bowers11,750.0011/16/2012
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions382.0010/18/2012
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions690.0005/30/2012
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions633.0005/30/2012
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions949.0001/03/2012
MS-65PCGSStack's Bowers805.0011/15/2011
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions633.0011/08/2011
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions805.0010/13/2011
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions403.0009/07/2011
MS-65PCGSStack's Bowers748.0008/13/2011
MS-63ICGStack's Bowers288.0008/13/2011
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions374.0008/11/2011
MS-66+NGCHeritage Auctions1,265.0008/11/2011
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,093.0006/01/2011
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions633.0006/01/2011
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,150.0004/27/2011
MS-65PCGSDavid Lawrence RC794.0004/04/2011
MS-64NGCStack's Bowers530.0003/18/2011
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions403.0001/05/2011
MS-63NGCDavid Lawrence RC374.0012/23/2010
MS-63NGCBowers & Merena277.0011/09/2010
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,150.0010/27/2010
MS-67NGCHeritage Auctions4,600.0008/11/2010
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions403.0004/28/2010
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,610.0003/24/2010
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions417.0003/24/2010
MS-65PCGSDavid Lawrence RC874.0001/21/2010
MS-63NGCHeritage Auctions322.0010/22/2009
MS-62NGCHeritage Auctions276.0010/22/2009
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,265.0009/11/2009
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions805.0009/11/2009
MS-64PCGSGoldberg Auctioneers633.0009/08/2009
MS-64PCGSBowers & Merena340.0008/05/2009
MS-67NGCHeritage Auctions4,313.0007/01/2009
MS-65PCGSDavid Lawrence RC736.0005/07/2009
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions431.0005/01/2009
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions345.0002/01/2009
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions389.0012/24/2008
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions978.0012/04/2008
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions805.0010/01/2008
MS-64NGCDavid Lawrence RC460.0008/11/2008
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions863.0007/30/2008
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions1,150.0005/28/2008
MS-63NGCHeritage Auctions431.0004/23/2008
MS-65PCGSStack's978.0001/07/2008
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions920.0011/21/2007
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions489.0011/14/2007
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions546.0010/02/2007
MS-65PCGSStack's1,092.5008/05/2007
MS-67NGCStack's4,600.0008/05/2007
MS-63PCGSHeritage Auctions374.0006/05/2007
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,035.0005/01/2007
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions374.0002/20/2007
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions460.0002/20/2007
MS-63ANACSHeritage Auctions299.0002/20/2007
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions403.0002/20/2007
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions805.0001/01/2007
MS-63ANACSHeritage Auctions345.0010/24/2006
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,035.0008/13/2006
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions633.0008/13/2006
MS-64PCGSDavid Lawrence RC506.0007/31/2006
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,311.0007/07/2006
MS-64PCGSDavid Lawrence RC437.0006/19/2006
MS-66NGCGoldberg Auctioneers1,438.0005/30/2006
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions805.0004/26/2006
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,725.0004/26/2006
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions431.0004/26/2006
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,725.0003/02/2006
MS-62NGCHeritage Auctions322.0001/24/2006
MS-66PCGSAmerican Numismatic Rarities1,400.0001/03/2006
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions920.0001/01/2006
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions518.0012/13/2005
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,035.0011/02/2005
MS-65PCGSSuperior Galleries1,092.0009/19/2005
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions949.0009/01/2005
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,725.0007/27/2005
MS-65PCGSAmerican Numismatic Rarities800.0005/25/2005
MS-65PCGSAmerican Numismatic Rarities1,495.0003/08/2005
MS-65NGCAmerican Numismatic Rarities1,610.0003/08/2005
MS-64PCGSGoldberg Auctioneers978.0002/23/2005
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions417.0002/06/2005
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions403.0001/05/2005
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions575.0012/08/2004
MS-64NGCDavid Lawrence RC431.0011/28/2004
AU-55ANACSHeritage Auctions138.0011/08/2004
MS-66PCGSAmerican Numismatic Rarities1,380.0010/11/2004
MS-64PCGSSuperior Galleries1,265.0008/16/2004
MS-63PCGSHeritage Auctions334.0006/02/2004
MS-65PCGSAmerican Numismatic Rarities1,150.0003/09/2004
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions380.0002/04/2004
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions805.0001/07/2004
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions3,335.0001/07/2004
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions805.0011/07/2003
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,553.0011/07/2003
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions719.0011/07/2003
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions357.0009/01/2003
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions805.0002/26/2003
MS-67NGCHeritage Auctions4,255.0001/08/2003
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions748.0001/08/2003
MS-65PCGSHeritage Auctions1,208.0001/08/2003
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,006.0011/21/2002
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,064.0006/09/2002
MS-65NGCGoldberg Auctioneers920.0006/02/2002
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions753.0004/28/2002
MS-63PCGSGoldberg Auctioneers311.0002/18/2002
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,380.0002/01/2002
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions391.0001/30/2002
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions414.0011/15/2001
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions747.0005/01/2001
MS-64PCGSHeritage Auctions380.0004/12/2001
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,150.0002/01/2001
MS-64NGCHeritage Auctions322.0011/18/2000
MS-65PCGSGoldberg Auctioneers1,207.0010/02/2000
MS-63PCGSHeritage Auctions299.0010/01/2000
MS-65NGCHeritage Auctions776.0001/08/2000
MS-66PCGSSuperior Galleries1,466.0009/19/1999
MS-66NGCHeritage Auctions1,840.0008/01/1998
MS-66NONEBowers & Merena1,100.0011/13/1997
MS-65NONEBowers & Merena1,100.0011/13/1997
MS-66PCGSHeritage Auctions1,495.0007/30/1997
MS-64NONEBowers & Merena853.0005/20/1996
MS-64NONEStack's963.0010/01/1992
MS-64NONEBowers & Merena715.0003/01/1988
MS-65NONEB. Max Mehl21.0006/01/1941
MS-64NONENumismatic Gallery55.0005/01/1941