5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper)
United States · 1866 · Base Metal
Specifications
| Years | 1866 |
| Denomination | 5 Cents |
| Composition | Copper (mixed with nickel) |
| Gross weight | 5 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Shape | Round |
| Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| Type | Patterns |
Catalog data via Numista, where photos and mintage details are available.
Design
Obverse
Shield type same as regular coin, but small letters used in motto and dot above date.
Reverse
Large "5" within rays and stars (same as regular issue coin).
About this coin’s value
This coin is composed of copper (mixed with nickel) and weighs 5 g. It carries no precious-metal melt value, so its worth is numismatic — driven by date, mint mark, grade and demand. For copper-era cents, the metal itself can exceed face value — see the copper penny calculator and our copper penny guide.
More 5 Cents coins
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- 5 Cents "1792 Half Disme" (Pattern; silver)1792
- 5 Cents "Half Disme"1792
- 5 Cents "1794 Half Dime" (Pattern)1794
- 5 Cents "Flowing Hair Half Dime"1794–1795
- ½ Dime "Draped Bust Half Dime" (small eagle)1796–1797
- ½ Dime "Draped Bust Half Dime" (Heraldic eagle)1800–1805
Frequently asked questions
Is the 5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper) made of silver or gold?
No — the 5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper) is copper (mixed with nickel), so it carries no precious-metal melt value. Its worth is numismatic: driven by date, mint mark, grade and collector demand.
What years was the 5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper) minted?
The 5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper) was issued 1866.
Who designed the 5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper)?
The 5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper) was designed by James Barton Longacre.
How big is a 5 Cents "1866 Shield Nickel With Rays" (Pattern; copper)?
It weighs 5 g and measures 20.5 mm across (copper (mixed with nickel)).
Educational reference, not an offer to buy or sell. Specifications are catalog data and may vary by variety; verify before any transaction.