1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-485

Coin Details

Auction Record

$12,650 PR66 06-02-2005 Heritage Auctions

Description

The Shield Nickel's reverse design — a bold numeral 5 surrounded by thirteen five-pointed stars with decorative rays filling the spaces between them — receives another alloy test in this proof pattern. The rays on the reverse were among the most visually distinctive elements of the 1866 design, creating a sunburst effect that made the nickel immediately recognizable. However, these same rays would prove to be the design's Achilles heel in production, as the fine detail concentrated excessive stress on the dies. This technical problem would lead to the rays' elimination in 1867, but in 1866, patterns like J-485 were still being evaluated with the full rays reverse. The alloy's hardness directly influenced ray detail quality and die life, making these tests especially relevant.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-20 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3553