1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-480

Coin Details

Description

J-480 marks the midpoint of the extensive 1866 Shield Nickel composition testing series that spans from J-473 through J-533. At this stage in the sequence, the Mint had been through nearly two dozen alloy experiments with the adopted design, building a comprehensive understanding of how the Shield motif performed across a wide range of metals. The shield obverse — with its thick horizontal bars representing the original states and vertical bar representing the binding power of the federal government — remained constant across these experiments, serving as the controlled variable while the composition changed. This consistency allowed direct apples-to-apples comparison of how each alloy affected the coin's striking quality, color, weight, and projected durability.

Rarity Notes

R.6 to R.7. Approximately 10-15 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3548