1866
5C (J-498, high R-7) PCGS PR65RB - The new five-cent
nickel denomination was introduced in 1866, when the
first Shield nickels were produced at the Philadelphia
Mint. Before that, however, a large number of pattern
varieties were created, using proposed designs. Many
are considered to be numismatic delicacies, created
for the sole purpose of generating extra income for
Mint employees who sold them to collectors. The piece
that is offered here has strong claims to actually be
a true pattern, as the obverse is similar and the reverse
identical to the design used on regular issues.
Besides being struck in copper, with
a reeded edge, the only difference with a regular issue
piece lays in the obverse die. The motto, IN GOD WE
TRUST, is in a smaller font, and the shield is placed
lower. As a result, the ball at the bottom of the shield
divides the date as 18-66. The reverse is the regular
with rays die that was used on this year, and part of
the next year exclusively. In all grades, approximately
6 to 8 pieces are known to exist in all grades. Although
Judd differentiates between both copper and bronze strikings,
Pollock does not do so. PCGS has identified this piece
as being a copper striking, although this is not confirmed
by SEM-EDX testing.
The present piece is a wonderful gem
example of this rare pattern, with ample original Mint
red color remaining. Completely original, this coin
has not the “washed-out” look that many
coppers from this era have. The strike is strong, as
can be expected, which adds to the overall desirability
of this piece. No distracting blemishes are noted on
either side. A rare opportunity for the advanced Shield
nickel or pattern collector!
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