1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-468

Coin Details

Auction Record

$12,000 PR64+BN 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

An early shield-type nickel pattern that tests a variation in the design's development between the initial shield concept and the final adopted version. The progression from J-467 through J-472 chronicles the refinement of what would become one of America's most distinctive coin designs. Each variety in this transitional group may modify the shield's proportions, the arrangement of stars on the reverse, the positioning of the IN GOD WE TRUST motto, or other design elements. The shield obverse represented a bold departure from the Liberty portraits that had dominated American coinage since the 1790s — instead of a personification of Liberty, the design placed a national symbol front and center, reflecting the patriotic sentiment of the post-Civil War era.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-20 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3536