1880 5C MS65 PCGS. CAC....

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Description

1880 Shield Nickel, MS65
Confirmed Business Strike Diagnostics

1880 5C MS65 PCGS. CAC. There is often some uncertainty about whether or not a given example of the 1880 Shield nickel is a proof or a business strike, as both were struck with the same dies. The coin here offered, however, is unquestionably a business strike, as a recent study of die characteristics has shown that the presence of an outline around the first S in STATES, a die lump below the second T in the same word, and a minute thorn-like projection from a denticle below the T and S in CENTS, all present on this coin, are diagnostic only of business strikes.

Furthermore, surviving business strike pieces (of which only 16,000 were minted) may be even rarer than certified population data indicates; this study of die diagnostics for business strike 1880 nickels has just recently been conducted and published, and earlier graders relied more heavily on overall appearance, rather than die markers, for identification of circulation strikes. Bowers, in A Guide Book of Shield and Liberty Head Nickels, states:

"Caveat emptor -- take the opinion of the grading services on an encapsulated coin with some hefty skepticism, since it is quite probable that there are 1880s that are misattributed (both ways)."

Another differentiating characteristic of business strikes, one that is also seen on the present coin, is incomplete venation of the wreath leaves; such softness is a rarity on proof strikings, and its presence offers further reassurance as to the legitimacy of the business strike designation.

This piece displays soft, blended hues of lilac-gray and rose-gold color, with a degree of minor reflectivity in the fields, a characteristic of most low-production issues, as the dies were never used long enough to completely efface the original die polish. No die cracks are evident, and the only striking "defect" that is discernable is a small, shallow planchet flake in the field below the second S in STATES. Any confirmed business strike 1880 nickel is a great rarity in 19th century numismatics, and this exceptional Gem representative should draw considerable attention from the astute specialist. Population: 7 in 65, 2 finer. CAC: 2 in 65, 0 finer (7/19).
Ex: ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2014), lot 3258, where it sold for $88,125.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 276E, PCGS# 3810, Greysheet# 2883)

Weight: 5.00 grams

Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

View Certification Details from PCGS