Although a five cent piece had been struck since 1794, the denomination did not reach its current form until 1866 when the Shield Nickel was produced. This coin used a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, rather than the silver based composition of the half dime. The series was relatively short and ran from 1866 to 1883 before being replaced with the Liberty Head Nickel. The Shield Nickel series does contain some major rarities in both circulation and proof strikes.
Shield Nickel Coin Specifications
| Dates: |
1866 - 1883 |
| Mints: |
Philadelphia |
| Composition: |
75% copper |
|
25% nickel |
| Weight: |
5.0 grams |
|
0.16 ounces |
| Diameter: |
20.50 mm |
|
0.81 inches |
nickels Shield
The Presidential Dollar was the third attempt at a small size dollar coin series. The first being Susan B. Anthony Dollars and the second being Sacagawea Dollars. The Presidential Dollar coins had the same composition as the prior Sacagawea, but featured four different rotating obverse designs per year. Each President of the United States was honored in the order served. Coins for circulation were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Proof coins for collectors were produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Presidential Dollar Coin Specifications
| Dates: |
2007 - present |
| Mints: |
Philadelphia |
|
Denver |
|
San Francisco |
| Composition: |
88.5% copper |
|
6% zinc |
|
3.5% manganese |
|
2% nickel |
| Weight: |
8.1 grams |
|
0.20 ounces |
| Diameter: |
26.50 mm |
|
1.05 inches |
dollars Presidential
The Flying Eagle Cent was issued from 1857 to 1858 for circulation. Coins were struck as a pattern in 1856, although this date is generally considered part of the series. This was the first small cent and the shortest series in US coinage. All coins were produced at the Philadelphia Mint and do not carry mint marks.
Flying Eagle Cent Coin Specifications
| Dates: |
1856-1858 |
| Mints: |
Philadelphia |
| Composition: |
88% copper |
|
12% nickel |
| Weight: |
4.67 grams |
|
0.15 ounce |
| Diameter: |
19.30 mm |
|
0.76 inches |
cents Flying Eagle