1866 Nickel Pattern - J-512, Steel

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,400 PR65 03-21-1996 Bowers & Merena

Description

One of the most unusual compositions in the entire 1866 Shield Nickel pattern series, this striking in steel represents a radical departure from the copper-nickel alloys that dominated the program. Steel — an iron-carbon alloy — offered extreme hardness and durability but presented significant challenges for coinage: it was difficult to strike to full detail, prone to rust and corrosion, and produced a dark, industrial appearance quite different from the silvery finish desired for the five-cent denomination. Despite these drawbacks, the Mint tested steel to establish definitively that it was inferior to copper-nickel for this application. The resulting coin has a distinctive grey appearance and unusual weight that immediately distinguishes it from all other varieties in the series.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Approximately 5-10 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3580