Price Guide for 1866 Nickel Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1866 Nickel variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1866 Nickel Rays (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $17.00 - $3,680.00
    Uncirculated: $90.00 - $17,037.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $11.10 - $495.00
    Uncirculated: $169.27 - $3,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $30.00 - $475.00
    Uncirculated: $500.00 - $11,000.00

1866 Nickel Rays (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $8.60 - $16,100.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $850.00
    Uncirculated: $555.00 - $3,995.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $750.00 - $1,400.00
    Uncirculated: $1,500.00 - $17,500.00

1866 Nickel RPD & Obv Die Clash FS-306/401 (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $30.89

1866/1866 Nickel RPD FS-308 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $156.00

1866 Nickel Rays, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $1,140.00 - $27,600.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $5,150.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,800.00 - $18,500.00

1866 Nickel Rays, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $4,025.00 - $45,600.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $12,500.00 - $45,000.00

1866 Nickel Rays DDO FS-102 (001.5) (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $128.50 - $240.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $40.00 - $370.00
    Uncirculated: $400.00 - $1,000.00

1866 Nickel Rays DDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $312.00

1866/1866 Nickel RPD FS-301 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $80.00 - $2,255.00
    Uncirculated: $1,293.00 - $19,975.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $102.51 - $547.00

1866/1866 Nickel Rays RPD FS-302 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $207.00 - $2,760.00
    Uncirculated: $2,185.00 - $15,600.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $62.00

1866/1866 Nickel Rays RPD FS-303 (001.2) (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $196.00 - $2,160.00
    Uncirculated: $4,025.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $905.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $750.00 - $3,000.00
    Uncirculated: $5,000.00 - $6,500.00

1866/1866 Nickel Rays RPD FS-304 (001.3) (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $60.00 - $192.00

1866/1866 Nickel Rays RPD FS-305 (001.4) (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $288.00 - $504.00

1866/1866 Nickel Rays RPD FS-901 Clashed Reverse Die (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $168.00
    Uncirculated: $1,610.00 - $2,880.00

Design and Specifications of the 1866 Nickel

The 1866 Shield Nickel was the first five-cent nickel coin produced by the United States Mint. It replaced the silver half dime and was introduced as a response to the coin shortage following the Civil War. This coin represents a significant transition in American coinage, marking the shift from precious metals to base metal coins for lower denominations.

Weight 5.0 grams
Diameter 20.5 mm
Mint Marks None (Philadelphia only)
Composition 75% copper, 25% nickel
Obverse Design Shield with laurel wreath, designed by James B. Longacre
Reverse Design Numeral 5 surrounded by stars and rays, designed by James B. Longacre

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1866 Shield Nickel significantly impacts its value. Due to the coin's age and circulation, finding high-grade specimens can be challenging. Uncirculated examples with original mint luster are highly prized by collectors. The strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many were weakly struck, especially on the reverse stars and rays.

Toning can also play a role in desirability, with attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium. However, environmental damage, such as corrosion or heavy cleaning, can severely impact value.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 14,742,500

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: Rays Reverse (standard), No Rays Reverse (introduced later in 1867)

Market Demand: High, due to first year of issue and historical significance

As the first year of issue for the Shield Nickel series, the 1866 holds special appeal for collectors. The Rays Reverse design, used only in 1866 and part of 1867, adds to its collectibility.

Die varieties exist for this year, including repunched dates and misplaced dates, which can add value for variety collectors. The preservation of fine details, particularly in the shield's cross lines and the reverse rays, is crucial for determining grade and value.

Lastly, the historical significance of this coin as part of the transition from silver to base metal coinage adds to its numismatic interest and value.

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