1876 Nickel Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1876 Nickel Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1876 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.

1876 Nickel (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $17.00 - $384.00

  Uncirculated: $114.00 - $9,987.50
• eBay

  Circulated: $20.50 - $469.99

  Uncirculated: $129.99 - $5,800.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $50.00 - $375.00

  Uncirculated: $400.00 - $7,500.00

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1876 Nickel (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $2.75 - $4,313.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $235.70 - $775.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $300.00 - $325.00

  Uncirculated: $350.00 - $5,000.00

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1876 Nickel TDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $219.00

  Uncirculated: $863.00 - $1,920.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $427.49
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $2,250.00

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1876 Nickel DDO FS-102 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $660.00 - $978.00

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1876 Nickel The Bleeder FS-401 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,175.00

  Uncirculated: $630.00 - $3,120.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $499.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1,500.00 - $1,750.00

  Uncirculated: $2,000.00 - $2,750.00

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1876 Nickel, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $204.00 - $13,800.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $335.95 - $1,034.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $600.00 - $7,500.00

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1876 Nickel, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,093.00 - $18,400.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $3,500.00 - $20,000.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1876 Nickel

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1876 Shield Nickel significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Due to the coin's age and the prevalence of weak strikes in this series, finding high-grade examples can be challenging.

Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those exhibiting strong strikes and minimal contact marks. The presence of original mint luster greatly enhances the coin's appeal and value.

In circulated grades, coins with clear design details and minimal wear on high points (such as the shield on the obverse and the wreath on the reverse) are more desirable. The absence of environmental damage, such as corrosion or heavy discoloration, is crucial for maintaining value across all grades.

Several factors can further influence the value of an 1876 Shield Nickel:

1. Historical Significance: As a centennial year issue, this coin holds special appeal for collectors interested in American history.

2. Strike Quality: Well-struck examples with full detail are highly prized, as many Shield Nickels suffer from weak strikes.

3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance the coin's appeal and value, particularly for uncirculated specimens.

4. Die State: Late die state examples showing interesting die cracks or cuds may command a premium from variety collectors.

5. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can see increased value.

6. Certification: Third-party grading and encapsulation can provide assurance of authenticity and condition, potentially increasing marketability and value.