The June 4, 2000, Dr. Jon Kardatzke Collection Parts II & III, Sale 5
Lot 164 
1866 Rays. PCGS graded Proof 66. Only 200 pieces were coined as Proofs in this, the very first year of America's nickel 5c coinage. It was a hard metal, the die-pressure was often refigured for the business strikes as they often came from the dies softly struck or mushy, so the Proofs are the truest examples of the elegance of this then-new design. It was a classic, based upon the concept of balanced images: the shield centered amid the branches (possibly of State), and the new, big-fat "5" offset by the stars and rays surrounding it. There may be better numbers out there, but certainly few can claim the exquisite eye-appeal of this champagne-colored sparkling beauty. It is Superb.
Lot 165
1866. NGC graded MS-64. Gleaming luster beneath appealing golden gray toning. The failings that make this a 64 versus a 65 are so minor it seems a tossup. On the obverse is a gigantic circular diebreak outside the shield, testimony to the Mint's difficulty in striking nickel, which in 1866 was a new coinage metal. In this case, the die was shattering as the coin was being minted. The strike here is quite sharp, which may explain why the die was breaking apart--the pressure was set too hard. All in all, a beautiful and interesting coin to examine--and own!
Lot 166
1867 No rays, 1868, 1870, 1882 and 1883 shield. Grades range from Very Good to Very Fine. The 1868 was probably buried, and damaged by corrosion. Lot of 5 coins.
Lot 167
1872. NGC graded MS-64. Several dramatic diebreaks on the obverse. Well struck, excellent nickel-gray color, and very choice.
Lot 168
1875. AU-55. Little lines and abrasions on the reverse, but still better than most at this grade level.
Lot 169
1876. Proof 63. Light gray, spotless, no hairlines, but the mirrors are diminished possibly from a quick dip in the old days. Nonetheless it's a real pleasing Proof.
Lot 170
1879. NGC graded Proof 66. An appealing coin. Silvery gray surfaces, even as Steven, without flaws of any kind we can detect. Not a blazer, but lovely in its own way.
Lot 171
1881. PCGS graded Proof 66. Light gold in color with a moderate sparkle. One of those rare dates which seem a bargain in Gem Proof compared to the price of an EF.
Lot 172
1883. NGC graded Proof 66. A nice reverse toned light gray. But the obverse--oh, the obverse! Flawless, exquisite with a hint of rainbow toning--as fine an example of the Shield design as this cataloguer has ever seen.
Lot 173
1883. NGC graded Proof 65. Very bright mirrors and lovely color, just the way it should be. We note a couple of tiny spots of verdigris to the right of the shield.
Lot 174
1883. Without "CENTS". NGC graded MS-66. Solidly graded, despite a few carbon flecks and a flat strike on the left corn-ear.
Lot 175
1883. Without "CENTS". NGC graded MS-66. Flatly struck in some areas, as so often seen on this date, but the surfaces are beautiful and bright.
Lot 176
1883. Without "CENTS." A pair of nice AU's and a pair of Racketeer jobs, one with bright color and pleasing, the other cleaned. Total of 4 coins.
Lot 177
1889. NGC graded Proof 66. Technically superb with gleaming mirrors underneath blue-gray toning, but a few carbon marks have appeared, as has a haze on the reverse.
Lot 178
1889. NGC graded Proof 65. Glittery deep mirrors, bright nickel-silver color with a golden hues. Gorgeous, a real Gem!
Lot 179
1889. NGC graded MS-65. An immaculate and very sharply struck nickel with the best kind of mellowed golden gray color. Almost flawless.
Lot 180
1893. Proof 63. A couple of ticks on the face, the mirrors glittery but not deep, a number of tiny flecks. However, it is still a very choice and handsome Proof.
Lot 181
1896. Proof 63. Some hairlines and carbon flecks, but the mirrors are bright and the color is just about perfect.
Lot 182
1899. NGC graded MS-66. Boldly struck with nearly perfect surfaces and a delightful pale golden nickel color. Hint of undisturbed lilac-rose toning. Superb!
Lot 183
1901. NGC graded Proof 66. A gorgeous coin having gleaming mirrors and beautiful golden iridescent toning, flawless but for a minute tick on the first star and a single carbon fleck to the left of Star 6. Probably headed for a new home in a clear slab.
Lot 184
1902. MS-63. Sharply struck in most details, also a lovely nickel-gray color with hues of gold and blue.
Lot 185
1903. NGC graded Proof 66. A myriad of minute black flecks, but this is still Superb. The color is a delicate lilac green iridescence.
Lot 186
1909. PCGS graded Proof 66. Superb Gem Proof! Delightful, light golden magenta toning evenly distributed. A fleck or two, but this is a wonderful Proof.
Lot 187
1909. PCGS graded Proof 66. A glamorous coin with a cameo portrait surrounded by bright champagne-gold mirrors. A minor carbon fleck on the rim by the last A in AMERICA. Elegant!.
Lot 188
1912. NGC graded Proof 66. A marvelous nickel, as fine as any PR66 in any holder. Bright mirrors and wonderful golden red toning. Moderate cameo effect because of the frosting on Liberty.
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