Bill Jones' Type Set
5c SHIELD, WITH RAYS 1866-67


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Origin/Country: United States
Design Description: FIVE-CENT PIECES - SHIELD
Item Description: 5C 1866 RAYS
Grade: NGC MS 64
Owner: BillJones
 
Winning Set: Bill Jones' Type Set
Date Added: 5/13/2003
Research: See NGC's Census Report for this Coin

Owner's Description

Much to the chagrin of the U.S. mint employees, nickel made a comeback in 1865 on the three cent piece and in 1866 on the new nickel five cent piece. This copper-nickel alloy was hard, brittle and difficult to strike. The planchets were often subject to laminations in which parts of the coin would peal off from the surface. The coins, especially these Shield Nickels, ate up dies like crazy as evidenced by the many die breaks that are often found on these pieces. It was no wonder that the mint employees called nickel, “the devil’s copper.” <br /><br /><br /><br />This coin is exceptionally well struck for the type, and it has bright luster. One small lamination is noted at 7 o’clock on the reverse.

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