Lot 615
1866 Rays NGC Proof 64. NGC graded Proof 64 PQ. CAC. Housed in an Old Style Holder. Only 600 minted. Lightly toned and this is the first year of issue of the new 5 Cent coin wiht an alloy of mostly copper with twelve percent nickel. Nickel has such a strong infulence on other metals that are alloyed with it that it makes the copper appear white overall, like pure nickel, yet with only a 12 percent nickel mixture. The copper color is overwhelmed by the nickel alloy not only for its color, but also for its strength. This first year of issue in 1866, left the first dies in ruin as the design of these new nickels caused the dies to crack quickly and be discarded. On these few Proofs great care was taken that the dies remained fresh and free of cracks. An exceptional example of this prized issue. Pop 70; 92 finer . Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,100
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| Realized $2,350 |
