1870 Nickel - 1870 5C PCGS PR65 CAC. This Gem proof 1870 Shield Nickel comes with a CAC sticker, which indicates that it is a premium quality piece that fully deserves the assigned grade. It is tied for the second finest known at PCGS, NGC, and CAC. The coin has rose-silver devices over dark fields creating an almost cameo look. As expected for a proof coin, the piece is well struck. Full details are present on the shield, especial the horizontal stripes. Similarly, full details are found on the vertical stripes, the leaves, and the centers of the stars on the reverse. The surfaces are original and clean with no visible hairlines or other distractions that are visible without magnification.

James Longacre designed the Shield Nickel, which was first introduced in 1866. The obverse shows a large, ornate shield with a small cross at the top. Within the top of the shield are horizontal raised lines. The base contains six vertical columns made up of closely spaced, raised lines. Two arrows are below and beneath the shield with only their arrowheads and feathers visible. Olive branches hang at the top on either side of the shield. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is in an arc at the top of the obverse, and the date is below. From 1866 to 1867, the reverse had thirteen six-pointed stars that alternated with rays in a circle around the numeral 5, the denomination. From 1867 to 1883, the rays were omitted. The coin is inscribed UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in an arc at the top with CENTS at the bottom.

In 1844 Longacre was appointed Mint Engraver through the influence of Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. After overcoming opposition by the Chief Coiner, Franklin Peale, who was fearful that the new Engraver would interfere with his illegal medal manufacturing business using the Mint facilities, Longacre did well. He was responsible for creating many new designs including the Indian Head cent, the two-cent piece, the Shield nickel, the Liberty Head gold dollar, the Indian Princess gold dollar, the three-dollar gold piece, and the Liberty Head double eagle.

In its population report, as of February 2013, CAC shows 11 1870 Shield Nickels in PF65 condition.