162
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Session Two - Monday, January 26, 2015 10:00 am
N
ICKELS
Shi e ld Ni cke l s
R
ARE
G
EM
C
AMEO
P
ROOF
1866 S
HIELD
N
ICKEL
Enlargement
1084
1866. Rays
.
PCGS graded Proof 66 Deep Cameo PQ.
CAC APPROVED.
The Act of May 16, 1866 authorized a new five cent coin made
of 25% nickel and 75% copper. This created the unusual situation where two coins of the same value circulated simultaneously, the other coin
being the silver half dime. A massive quantity of nearly 15 million new "nickels" was produced in the first year, partly to promote the new coin
and partly because of the availability of nickel and copper compared to the higher cost of silver for half dimes. The new "nickel" was produced
at a time when the Mint was desperately trying to catch up with the huge demand for small coinage after the Civil War. The use of nickel
instead of (unavailable) silver, which was being hoarded at the time, was the decision rendered by the powers that be. James Barton Lon-
gacre quickly designed the new coin and had patterns struck for various congressmen. Upon striking only a few coins, the dies were found to
crack. Longacre determined that the rays were a contributing factor to this rapid die deterioration, and eliminated them after only a small
number were struck in 1866-67. The proofs of this type are now well known for their rarity.
It is estimated that slightly over 600 proofs were struck for this first year type, few of which remain this nice. This intensely brilliant Gem Proof
features deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices with pale champagne-gold iridescence at indirect light angles. The strike is needle-sharp
and the eye appeal is fantastic. For future pedigree purposes, a tiny dark spot is at the rim under the T of CENTS.
The Act of May 16, 1866 authorized a new five cent coin made of 25% nickel and 75% copper. This created the unusual situation where two
coins of the same value circulated simultaneously, the other coin being the silver half dime. A massive quantity of nearly 15 million new "nick-
els" was produced in the first year, partly to promote the new coin and partly because of the availability of nickel and copper compared to the
higher cost of silver for half dimes. The new "nickel" was produced at a time when the Mint was desperately trying to catch up with the huge
demand for small coinage after the Civil War. The use of nickel instead of (unavailable) silver, which was being hoarded at the time, was the
decision rendered by the powers that be. James Barton Longacre quickly designed the new coin and had patterns struck for various congress-
men. Upon striking only a few coins, the dies were found to crack. Longacre determined that the rays were a contributing factor to this rapid
die deterioration, and eliminated them after only a small number were struck in 1866-67. The proofs of this type are now well known for their
rarity.
It is estimated that slightly over 600 proofs were struck for this first year type, few of which remain this nice. This intensely brilliant Gem Proof
features deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices with a fully brilliant appearance overall. The strike is needle-sharp and the eye appeal is
fantastic. For future pedigree purposes, a tiny dark spot is at the rim under the T of CENTS.
Pop 2; 2 finer, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67.
(
PCGS # 93817
)
Estimated Value ........................................................................................................................................................... $12,000 - 13,000
