1866 Shield Nickel - Rays - CU-5c-1866-07 Cud

Description

This cud on the inaugural 1866 Shield Nickel with Rays reflects both the new denomination's production challenges and the durability limitations of dies striking the unfamiliar copper-nickel alloy. The Shield Nickel, designed by James B. Longacre, introduced the five-cent denomination to copper-nickel composition in 1866, replacing the smaller silver half dime. The first-year "with Rays" variety featured rays between the stars on the reverse, a design element that proved problematic for die life and was removed early in 1867. Philadelphia struck 14,742,500 Shield Nickels in 1866, and the combination of a hard copper-nickel planchet, deeply engraved design elements, and newly developed die configurations led to accelerated die wear and fracture. Cuds on Coins cataloged CU-5c-1866-07 with no additional cross-reference numbers, the self-referential note "See CU-5c-1866-07" serving as a placeholder in the cross-reference field. Collectors examining 1866 Rays Shield Nickels should inspect the rim carefully, as the die stress patterns from this first-year production created multiple failure points across many different dies.

Cross References

• Cross reference number: none. See CU-5c-1866-07

External References