Lot 1547
1867 Shield Nickel. No rays. PCGS graded Proof 65. One of the rarest Shield nickel proofs to locate, only 31 have been graded thus far by PCGS, with 8 graded higher. Free of fly specks or other detractions, about the only complaint are some very faint hairlines. Mostly untoned and with light nickel haze. This is the toughest date to find in full gem condition aside from the 1867 with rays. One for the connoisseur.
The with rays variety quickly proved to be a problem, some believed that the rays were a salute to the "stars and bars" used in the Confederate flag to honor the Southern rebels. One fact is known, the rays impaired the mints ability to strike the coin, in fact Chief Coiner A. Louden Snowden refused to make any proofs with rays, and the few that exist in proof were likely struck clandestinely. Egos and politics ruled the day, then as now.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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| Realized $2,415 |
