U.S. Heritage Coins

The Shield Nickel is so named for the shield appearing on the head of the coin (with the number “5” on the obverse side). The coin was designed by the Mint’s chief engraver James B. Longacre, based on his similar design for the two-cent piece. The Shield Nickel was created in response to the Civil War era habit of hoarding gold and silver coins for their precious-metal worth. The only non-precious metal coin in use at the time was the cent. The other option was to use paper notes (called shinplasters), which were unpopular amongst merchants. The Shield Nickel’s original design had a circle of thirteen stars on the reverse side, which prompted complaints from many. The image was a little too close to the Confederate flag. Now, nickel is actually not an easy metal to strike, which is exactly why the cent was, at the time, being produced with a bronze alloy. We probably wouldn’t be calling them nickels if not for Joseph Wharton, a nickel magnate with some considerable political influence at the time. The coin was made with only 25% nickel and 75% copper, and still, the striking dies broke and had to be replaced on a pretty regular basis.The Shield Nickel is so named for the shield appearing on the head of the coin (with the number “5” on the obverse side). The coin was designed by the Mint’s chief engraver James B. Longacre, based on his similar design for the two-cent piece. The Shield Nickel was created in response to the Civil War era habit of hoarding gold and silver coins for their precious-metal worth. The only non-precious metal coin in use at the time was the cent. The other option was to use paper notes (called shinplasters), which were unpopular amongst merchants. The Shield Nickel’s original design had a circle of thirteen stars on the reverse side, which prompted complaints from many. The image was a little too close to the Confederate flag. Now, nickel is actually not an easy metal to strike, which is exactly why the cent was, at the time, being produced with a bronze alloy. We probably wouldn’t be calling them nickels if not for Joseph Wharton, a nickel magnate with some considerable political influence at the time. The coin was made with only 25% nickel and 75% copper, and still, the striking dies broke and had to be replaced on a pretty regular basis.