USA 5 cents Union Shield No Rays 1881
USA, Philadelphia
Rarity
Rare
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 5 cents |
| Krause number | KM# 97 |
| Mintage | 72,375 |
| Metal | Copper-Nickel |
| diameter | 20.5 mm |
| weight | 5 g |
Obverse:
Weapon
Creators:
James Barton Longacre
IN GOD WE TRUST
Reverse:
Star
Creators:
James Barton Longacre
5 CENTS
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
Production of five-cent pieces was delayed until November, as there existed no additional demand for the denomination for most of 1881. This year's coinages amounted to slightly over four times that of 1880, yet it was still a rather modest figure. 1881 nickels are quite scarce across all grades, though the Mint State pieces certified are of slightly higher average quality than is typical for the series as a whole. Distinguishing between MS and PF coins is a bit of a challenge, though not to the degree found with 1879-80 nickels. The 1881 dies were used long enough to develop some frosty texture, as seen in the example illustrated. A nice repunched date variety is known for this date, along with a very minor doubled-die obverse.Read More
