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Description

1866 Rays Shield Nickel, PR66+
Deep Cameo Registry Coin
Exceptional Proof Type Candidate

1866 5C Rays PR66+ Deep Cameo PCGS. CAC. Of the two With Rays issues in the proof Shield nickel series, the 1866 is the only one that is usually available to the average collector. The 1867 Rays proof is the famous key date to the entire series. Not to be overlooked, however, the 1866 Rays proof is itself conditionally rare. PCGS has seen only a handful of pieces finer than PR66, with or without cameo contrast. But the finest examples of this issue obtainable for Registry collectors are four Deep Cameos reported by PCGS. Of those four, the former Simpson coin offered here is tied for second finest by virtue of its PCGS Plus designation and the accompanying CAC endorsement. This coin is beautifully preserved and well contrasted, with fields that are more deeply mirrored than usual for the Shield nickel type. Every detail is sharply brought up, and the coin is brilliant save for tinges of champagne warmth around the outer peripheries. PCGS Population: 2 in 66+ Deep Cameo, 1 finer. CAC: 2 in 66, 1 finer (11/25).
Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part II / Dallas Signature (Heritage, 11/2020), lot 3012; our present consignor. (Registry values: P3)
Selections from The Black Cat Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 276G, PCGS# 93817, GSID# 2891)

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


View all of [Selections from The Black Cat Collection ]

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Auction Info

Auction Dates
January, 2026
14th-17th Wednesday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 48
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 543

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Jan 14, 2026 for: $31,720.00
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