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[L#0145] 1867 With Rays 5c PCGS PF64 Cameo

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:24,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
[L#0145] 1867 With Rays 5c PCGS PF64 Cameo
A nearly gem specimen of one of the most famous of all nineteenth century American Proof nickel five-cent rarities, a coin that is almost in the same class with the 1864-L Proof Cent, the 1864 Small Motto Two-cent Piece, and, to a lesser degree, the 1884 and 1885 Proof Trade Dollars.

Walter Breen, in his Encyclopedia of United Stated and Colonial Proof Coins, notes that 25 or so specimens were minted in Proof condition. although Proof sets were distributed on various occasions throughout the year 1867, Breen postulates that the with-rays Nickels were included only on one occasion. In his words, "Now known to have been issued only with the initial or February 5, 1867 delivery of silver Proofs, with possibly at most a few more in minor Proof sets at that time. Exceedingly rare, not over about a dozen survivors traceable." Breen specifically enumerates seven examples he had examined plus a few other listings and notes that "at least two have been poorly cleaned." In the years since the 1988 publication of this trend-setting encyclopedia, a few others have turned up in old estates.

The present example is clearly one of the finest known and fully merits the Choice Proof 64 Cameo designation. Light golden toning over nickel-blue sheen, the fields sparkle with mirror reflectiveness. Encased in PCGS holder 50120616. A marvelous opportunity for the specialist.