ACT OF MAY 16, 1866: Authorization of the Nickel 5C

It was written that as soon as possible after the Senate and Congress pass the ACT OF MAY 16, 1866, the mint was authorized in the production of a new 5C Nickel piece. If you can believe it or not ... 12 days later on May 28, Mint Director Pollock delivered 4 sample patterns, prepared by James Longacre and team, for approval. On May 30th Secretary McCullough approved a piece which was the shield Nickel as we know it today. 4 coins were submitted for approval - 3 were of Washington Bust and the 1 Shield nickel which was Pollock preferred design. So what of these other patterns delivered and other that were considered and not shortlisted?

In this Registry I am trying to capture a variety of pieces that were considered in this effort.

Besides several Shield Nickel patterns - a number were Presidential in nature as they display the bust of George Washington and one sample was of Abe Lincoln.

The Washington Patterns features Houdon's 1785 Bust of George Washington profile ( as used on the 2 Cent pattern of 1863) combined with the various reverse dies as well as the motto's "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "GOD AND OUR COUNTRY"

Of interest was the profile of Abraham Lincoln on several examples. While Washington 1st appeared on a 2 Cent pattern in 1863 and returned for the series of these 1866 5 Cent pieces – this was the first and only appearance of Lincoln on a US Mint sponsored US Pattern until 1909 This pattern was prepared only one year after his assassination and beloved by the Republicans of the north it would have too controversial to be accepted by the country and Democrats of the south who despised him and was dealing with the reconstruction of the south.

Nickel Patterns of 1867

In 1867 additional patterns developed predominately focused on the 5 Cent Nickel . Of note was another of James Longacre’s design - Indian Princess head with a dramatic spin of the Shield nickel for the reverse. This piece is unique in the stand point that Longacre name appeared at the base “LONGACRE F”. The “F.” stands for “fecit” or “made it”. Longacre struck these mainly in Aluminum recognizing AL was valuable during this period but copper examples are also known. Also of interest was the ribbon inscribe "UNION & LIBERTY" which is different theme to our motto's being displayed.





Other interesting pieces stemmed from the Coronet Head Obverse that was scaled from the obverse being used on the Three Cent Nickel pieces that started production in 1865. This obverse were married with multiple 5 Cent reverse designs and did have some minor deviations such as a star in the Coronet.






Several regular Shield nickels obverses were also struck with modified reverse designs. My J-573a has a reverse with “5” and “CENTS” is in a straight line. Only 3 examples are believed in existence. Also several patterns shield design had the ball at the bottom of the shield divide the date.

Washington Bust


Shield Nickels




Coronet Bust