1883 5c Shield PR DCAM

Key to Collecting: Although the mintage for circulation-strike 1883 Shield nickels is fairly low, this is the most common of all dates in terms of Mint State coins in existence today—even edging out the 1882 with its open-floodgates production of 11,472,900 coins! The explanation is that in early 1883 there was great excitement that Shield nickels of this date would become rare and valuable, in light of their replacement by the new Liberty Head nickels. Many were saved.

Today, most nickels of this date are fairly attractive. This is a very popular year to include in type sets.

Characteristics and Appearance: The digits in the date logotype are very widely spaced on all dies (circulation strike as well as Proof) this year. Usually well struck. Lightness, if present, is apt to be in the horizontal shield stripes. Some are partially prooflike.

PROOF STRIKES

Characteristics and Appearance: Usually well struck. A deep mirror surface is the rule, although sometimes with a grainy non-Proof surface on the reverse near the 5.

Mintage and Distribution Notes: The high mintage for this issue is likewise explained by the speculation that 1883 Shield nickels would become very rare. Proof Shield nickels continued to be minted and sold even after the Liberty Head nickels were issued. A. Loudon Snowden was aware of the speculation, and sought and received permission from the Treasury Department to continue making all three types of nickel designs for the rest of the year.47