1866 Shield Nickel - Rays - PC-5c-1866-04, 05 & 06 Pre-Cud

Description

Combining three retained die cracks — sequences 04, 05, and 06 — on a single working die, this 1866 Shield Nickel with Rays pre-cud documents extensive die failure across multiple rim locations. Retained cracks at three points along the rim of one die indicate severe stress fracturing before the die was retired. The host coin is the 1866 Shield Nickel with Rays — the inaugural year and original design of the Shield Nickel series, the first base-metal five-cent coin in United States history. The distinctive rays between stars on the reverse were included only in 1866 and part of 1867 before removal to improve die life, making the Rays subtype effectively a single-year design. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse displays the Union shield symbolizing national unity during Reconstruction, while the reverse features a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars and the short-lived rays. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins — the designation reads PC (pre-cud), 5c (denomination), 1866 (year), and 04, 05 & 06 (three retained die cracks on a single die). Examine multiple rim locations for the raised hairline fractures that distinguish pre-cuds from full cud breaks.

External References