Five Cent Type Set, Circulation Strikes (1866-present)

The humble "nickel" or five cent coin was born out of the silver and gold shortage during and after the Civil War. Nearly all precious metal coins were hoarded, and very few remained in circulation. This gave rise to several low denomination coins made from more base metals such as the copper two cent piece, and the nickel three and five cent pieces. Due to its larger size, the five cent nickel quickly supplanted the tiny half dime in circulation, and went on to become the workhorse of late 19th and early 20th century circulating money. While none of these coins will prove too difficult to acquire, the With Rays Shield Nickel of 1866-67 is the unquestioned key to this set.

Notes: This set has bonuses. Please see the Set Composition for a listing.