The US 1877 Nickel, designed by James B. Longacre, reflected post-Civil War economic challenges. Made of copper-nickel, it replaced silver in small denominations due to the Coinage Act of 1873, which demonetized silver and led to deflation. This shift impacted farmers and laborers, making the US 1877 Nickel a key part of everyday transactions during financial instability.
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 underscored economic hardship, as workers protested wage cuts amid the depression. The US 1877 Nickel, widely used in commerce, symbolized resilience in a struggling economy. Its durable metal and Liberty Head design reinforced stability in a time of national unrest.