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Nickels 1866 PCGS PR65

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,750.00 - 3,250.00 USD
Nickels 1866 PCGS PR65

Nickels 1866 PCGS graded Proof 65. This date represents the two-year only "Rays" reverse type. It retains full mint brilliance, highlighting deeply reflective fields and lightly contrasting frosted devices. Reflection in the light reveals a mere blush of golden iridescence Surfaces are immaculate and spot-free, providing this coin with an outward appearance of a higher numeric classification.<BR><BR>The Shield motif introduced the new five cents format and paved the way for the replacement of the silver half dime. Its convenient size made it an immediate favorite with the public. However, rays installed on the reverse between the stars caused unexpected stress to the dies and breakage was unacceptably high. Early in 1867 coinage production, new dies without rays were implemented, which lessened the problem to some degree, but generally speaking, die breakage was commonplace throughout the life of the Shield nickel series.<BR><BR>Production of Shield nickels commenced in June 1866, after most Proof set orders for the year had been received and filled, using the half dime to represent the five cents denomination. Only sets requested later in the year included the Shield nickel and some may have been requested individually. An estimated 125 pieces were coined. All Proofs can be distinguished by a center dot on each side. This gorgeous coin is one of the finer known examples. Estimate $2,750.00-$3,250.00