The U.S. & Ancients Coinage Auction
October 2, 2000

Shield Nickels

Lot 1546 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1866. PCGS graded Proof 65. Long reported by the mint records that only 125 were struck, this appears to be well under the number graded. Now it is estimated that 300 were struck. Of these, PCGS has graded 92 this high with a scant 48 graded higher for this important type coin. This is one of the better ones, for it boasts deeply mirrored fields and unmolested devices. Furthermore, it is free of the usual fly specks or other unsightly problems. The planchet shows some minor laminations on the lower obverse. As with all known proofs, there is a center dot on both the obverse and reverse. A classic rarity in full gem proof condition, and worth a strong bid for the obvious quality.
Estimated Value $2,250-2,750.

Lot 1547 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1867. No rays. PCGS graded Proof 65. One of the rarest Shield nickel proofs to locate, only 31 have been graded thus far by PCGS, with 8 graded higher. Free of fly specks or other detractions, about the only complaint are some very faint hairlines. Mostly untoned and with light nickel haze. This is the toughest date to find in full gem condition aside from the 1867 with rays. One for the connoisseur.
The with rays variety quickly proved to be a problem, some believed that the rays were a salute to the "stars and bars" used in the Confederate flag to honor the Southern rebels. One fact is known, the rays impaired the mints ability to strike the coin, in fact Chief Coiner A. Louden Snowden refused to make any proofs with rays, and the few that exist in proof were likely struck clandestinely. Egos and politics ruled the day, then as now.
Estimated Value $2,000-2,500.

Lot 1548 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1868. PCGS graded Proof 65. Only 56 so graded by PCGS, with a group of 8 graded higher, making this one of the best available for collectors. Pristine surfaces that show few signs of age, just a hint of hazy toning on the reverse and a couple of minor specks visible with a glass. There may be some minor repunching on the final digit in the date.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,250.

Lot 1549 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1869. PCGS graded Proof 65. A sparkling gem proof of this scarce date. The color shows hints of nickel-blue, with light haze starting to form as well as very faint specks. Struck through something at ED of UNITED on the reverse, caused at the mint.
Estimated Value $800-900.

Lot 1550 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1870. PCGS graded Proof 65. A glorious gem coin for the date. The obverse is mostly untoned, and the fields show few signs of handling aside from very minor hairlines. Only 60 have been graded this high, with 4 graded higher by PCGS. With so few graded, be sure to lock this one away early on before buying the more common dates.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.

Lot 1551 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1871. PCGS graded Proof 65. A lovely coin that has rose toning on both sides and is free of spots. There are some minor hairlines on the reverse, but these can only be seen with a glass. One of only 86 so graded, with 20 graded higher.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,200.

Lot 1552 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1872. PCGS graded Proof 65. Double obverse die (Breen #2492) with the doubling most visible on the amulet below the cross. A few minor fly specks, but otherwise well preserved. Scarce in gem condition.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 1553 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1873. Closed 3. PCGS graded Proof 65. Light golden toning with hints of rose mixed in. Bold and well preserved.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 1554 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1874. PCGS graded Proof 65. Light hazy toning in the fields, boldly struck devices and well preserved. One of just 65 so graded by PCGS, with 32 graded higher.
Estimated Value $650-750.

Lot 1555 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1875. PCGS graded Proof 65. One of the tough dates to find in full gem proof condition. This particular coin has deeply mirrored fields and boasts strong contrast with the devices. On the reverse there is a small speck near the U of UNITED, a few hairlines and a faint fingerprint. Still a gem and always in demand as such.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.

Lot 1556 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1876. PCGS graded Proof 65. The date appears to be lightly doubled, with the repunching noted just below the primary figures. Lightly toned over mirror fields, there are a few hairlines and stray marks, but nothing worthy of note. Only 75 so graded by PCGS, with a cluster of 24 graded higher.
Estimated Value $650-750.

Lot 1557 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1877. PCGS graded Proof 65. The key date to the series, with only 510 struck in proof and no business strikes coined. This one has some hazy nickel toning on both sides and is a bit dull, as usually seen for this date. Only 132 so graded by PCGS, with 43 graded higher (all Proof 66). An opportunity for the specialist.
Estimated Value $1,700-2,000.

Lot 1558 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1878. PCGS graded Proof 65. Actually, this is the rare 1878/7 variety with the shaft of the undertype 7 clearly visible inside the lower ball of the second 8 in the date. Discovered by Walter Breen when he cataloged the Gilhousen collection in 1973. Light sunset toning on the obverse and reverse, well struck and preserved in every way. A delight for the advanced collector.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 1559 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1879. PCGS graded Proof 65. This is the rare triple date as noted in Breen's Encyclopedia (#2512) with repunching plainly visible on the 1 and the 8 of the date. Bright and original, with nickel gray toning on both sides. One tiny planchet flake is noted near the rim above the S of TRUST. One for the repunched date specialist, as this early die state is seldom found and most of the repunching would quickly have worn off the obverse die.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 1560
1879. 9 over 8. NGC graded Proof 66. A lovely example of this popular overdate, only 3,200 were struck of all kinds, apparently half of which were the overdate. One of 33 graded this high by NGC, with a scant 11 graded higher. Mostly white, but there are hints of sunset toning on both sides.
Estimated Value $700-750.

Lot 1561 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1879. 9 over 8. PCGS graded Proof 65. A flashy gem proof example of this popular overdate. Scarce in this grade, and certain to find a happy home with a knowledgeable collector. Bright on the obverse, a bit more hazy toning on the reverse.
Estimated Value $550-650.

Lot 1562
1880. PCGS graded Proof 65. This is one of the "dropped 8" coins as mentioned in Breen's Encyclopedia. Inside the second 8 of the date traces of repunching show. Cloudy and all too typical nickel toning on the reverse. Always in demand in gem condition.
Estimated Value $450-550.

Lot 1563
1881. PCGS graded Proof 65. If you have been searching for a gem proof shield nickel, then here is the perfect coin. Flashy mirror fields and boldly struck devices, enhanced by delicate golden tones on both sides.
Estimated Value $400-500.

Lot 1564
1882. PCGS graded Proof 65. A glass will note some moderate fly specks on the devices of this coin, nevertheless, the surfaces are free of detracting marks, and still retain most of the original mint freshness.
Estimated Value $400-500.

Lot 1565
1883. PCGS graded Proof 65. The final year of issue of the shield nickel series. This one has beautiful golden toning with hints of rainbow colors on the obverse, the reverse with more streaky toning. An impressive example.
Estimated Value $400-500.