CU-5c-1866-07 Cud

Description

Seventh cud documented on the inaugural 1866 Shield Nickel with Rays — a remarkably high count for a first-year type coin that 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 after 1866. 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. Seven documented cuds from a single date and mint with a mintage under 15 million represents an exceptionally high ratio of die failures to total production — a frequency that supports the historical record of Shield Nickel dies failing at elevated rates compared to established denominations. 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.

Attribution History

• Cross reference number: none. See CU-5c-1866-07
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References