1866 Shield Nickel - Rays - RCD-5c-1866-10 Retained Cud

Description

RCD-5c-1866-10 records a retained cud from the severe die attrition of the Shield Nickel's debut year. The 1866 Shield Nickel with Rays was the Mint's first foray into a copper-nickel five-cent denomination, and the combination of an unfamiliar alloy, intricate die designs with stress-concentrating rays, and aggressive production schedules took a heavy toll on die integrity. A retained cud differs from a standard cud in that the cracked rim fragment stays seated in the die rather than falling away, producing a raised area that keeps its design on every coin struck until the die is retired. James B. Longacre's Shield Nickel design reflected post-Civil War patriotic sentiment, with the obverse shield and reverse rays symbolizing national strength and radiance. The Rays design lasted only through part of 1867 before removal. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins. Compare the rim location and contour of this retained fracture against the attribution images; each die breaks in its own characteristic pattern.

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