The US 1870 Nickel coin, designed by James B. Longacre, features a shield with a star and the word "Liberty" on the obverse. Minted in nickel, the 1870 Nickel marked a transition in U.S. coinage, as the country sought more durable materials for everyday coins amid growing industrialization.
Politically, the 1870 Nickel coin was released during Reconstruction, following the Civil War. The coins nickel composition reflected the U.S. economic need for affordable, durable currency while symbolizing the nation’s rebuilding efforts. The design highlighted both national pride and the country’s move toward a more modern, industrialized economy.