1868 5C

Description

1868 Shield Five Cents, Philadelphia Mint, PCGS MS67. This exceptional 1868 nickel represents one of the finest known examples of this popular Shield series date. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark) during a year of massive production—over 28.8 million pieces were coined—this date remains the second most common in the entire Shield Five Cents series. Despite this substantial mintage, the vast majority of survivors are found in circulated grades, making high-grade Mint State examples increasingly scarce and desirable. The coin is composed of the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy used throughout the Shield series, weighing 5 grams with a diameter of 20.5mm. Designed by James Barton Longacre, this example exhibits the crisp strike and attractive surfaces characteristic of the finest pieces from this issue. The 1868 date is typically well-struck, though die cracks are commonly observed on examples of this year—a variety of interesting die crack variations can be found throughout the surviving population. This coin has been certified by PCGS as MS67, representing an extraordinary achievement for the date. The PCGS Condition Census for 1868 nickels tops out at MS66, making this MS67 example a notable rarity with only 4 examples graded at this level across the entire series. No PCGS-graded 1868 nickel has ever achieved a higher designation, establishing this piece among the finest known survivors. With a guide value of $11,500, this coin represents a significant opportunity for advanced Shield nickel specialists and type collectors seeking the absolute best.