Lot 703
1866. NGC graded MS-66. Lovely rainbow toning. Substituting for the usual virtually ice-white to nickel-bright fields of a well preserved 1866 With Rays business strike, this coin spreads light in every direction from its lovely almost pastel colored toning. The reverse is particularly awe inspiring. View it if you have a chance. Enjoy its gleaming rainbow effect that cascades around the reverse, with one color merging and blending seamlessly into the next. Having covered the mint bloom, which we could go on about forever, we take stock of the coin's detail. Clockwork precision seen in the leaves flanking the shield (note the central leaf vein in each), a resplendent shield, was this one of the first strikes from the die? A reverse as finely detailed and sharp as the obverse. One or two fine die cracks visible, as often found on this first year issue.
The year 1866 is the first of two early Nickel Five-cent pieces produced with rays as part of the reverse design. Fewer coins were delivered with rays in 1867 than in 1866, but both dates are widely admired by collectors due to their brief production before the rays were eliminated. Early in 1867, the No Rays motif was substituted, a design which would continue in use through the end of the Shield Nickel series in 1883. Should you be looking for something quite pleasant and a little vacation from ordinary, everyday Shield Nickels, we encourage you to check this one out. A stunning beautifully toned 1866 With Rays. And from what we’ve seen of these, it will make a wonderful addition to any first-rate collection. Pop 24; none finer at NGC.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 3,600.
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