1866 5C Rays PR66 ★ NGC....

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Interesting 1866 Rays Nickel, PR66 ★

1866 5C Rays PR66 ★ NGC. The With Rays proof Shield nickels of 1866 and 1867 are interesting and alluring issues. While the 1866 Rays proofs were struck to the extent of an estimated 600 proofs, the 1867s are great rarities, estimated to have been struck to the extent of only 25 pieces. Chief Coiner Archibald Loudon Snowden is reported, per Mint Archives research by R.W. Julian, to have refused (apparently after the initial 25 were struck) to coin any more proofs of the With Rays 1867s for inclusion in proof sets. More-recent research by John Dannreuther has uncovered die evidence that the 1867 Rays nickels were restruck at various times, using two different obverse dies with a common Rays reverse.
This 1866 With Rays, as a lovely, brilliant first-year type, should find a ready home in a memorable collection of nickels or type coins. The Star designation is more than justified by the bold strike and superior surfaces. There is considerable field-device contrast, even though it is uncredited by NGC. As expected for the grade, there are few mentionable distractions. Among non-Cameos of the issue this piece is one of three Star coins so certified, and NGC has graded only four numerically finer (1/09).(Registry values: N2998)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 276G, PCGS# 3817, GSID# 2889)

Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Weight: 5.00 grams
Weight: 0.13228oz
Mintage: 600

View Certification Details from NGC