The 1873 Nickel 'obverse design features Longacre's version of the Great Seal of the United States. With a design focuses on the shield, or escutcheon, as a defensive weapon, signifying strength and self-protection through unity. The United States 1873 Nickel Five Cent reverse shows 5 for the value surrounded by 13 six-pointed stars representing the original 13 states. Around below, the denomination CENTS. A 1873 nickel is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint. The most popular five-cent coin is likely the buffalo nickel. Rare nickels benefit from revived demand among coin collectors, and though many of the most valuable nickels are no longer in circulation. To determine the value of your old nickels, the key dates and series to look for in the market.