1866 Nickel Pattern - J-473

Coin Details

Auction Record

$76 AU58 04-13-2019 eBay

Description

A business-strike impression of the adopted Shield Nickel design, this non-proof J-473 demonstrates how the coin would appear when produced under standard manufacturing conditions rather than the carefully controlled proof process. Business strikes are produced at higher speed with unpolished dies, resulting in a less reflective surface finish that more accurately represents the coins Americans would encounter in daily commerce. This distinction makes business-strike patterns particularly valuable for evaluating a design's practical appearance, as the proof format can flatter a design that might look less impressive at production quality. The Shield obverse and rays reverse are rendered with the same boldness but without the mirror-field contrast of proof examples.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-25 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3541