NICKEL FIVE-CENT PIECE 1866-1867 Shield, Rays on Reverse
Description
Here we see the introduction of the first Nickel. It was obviously intended to be a substitute for the Half Dime which was made of silver. The Treasury Department at the time was withholding silver coins from circulation.
The first design was the Shield style with rays on the obverse. The obverse closely follows the design of the two-cent piece and consists of a shield with a wreath surrounding the upper portion, a cross at the top, and two crossed arrows at the bottom. IN GOD WE TRUST is above, and the date is below. The reverse is dominated by the central numeral 5. Thirteen rays, interspersed among as many stars, emanate from the 5. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and CENT'S appears around the border.
Due to difficulty in striking the hard alloy and preserving detail, the rays were eliminated from the design early in 1867. Examples of the 1866-1867 Shield Nickel with rays are readily available in grades from Good through AU. Uncirculated pieces are scarce, and truly superb Uncirculated coins are rare. A number of Proofs were minted for collectors, particularly in 1866, when it is believed that nearly 500 were made.
Valuation
- COIN NAME
- NICKEL FIVE-CENT PIECE 1866-1867 Shield, Rays on Reverse
- DESIGNED BY
- James B. Longacre
- ISSUE DATE
- 1866-1867
- COMPOSITION
- 75% copper, 25% nickel
- DIAMETER
- 20.5 mm
- WEIGHT
- 77.16 grains (5 grams)
- EDGE
- Plain
- BUS MINT
- 16,761,500
- PROOF MINT
- 500 (estimated)
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