1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-521a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$37,375 PR63 07-27-2008 Stack's

Description

The "a" variant of J-521 tests an additional composition beyond whatever alloy the primary J-521 employed. In the upper range of the 1866 Shield Nickel series, "a" variants are particularly scarce, as the already-limited production quantities for primary numbers were further divided to accommodate supplementary alloy tests. This piece provides collectors with a comparative specimen that extends the metallurgical analysis of the J-521 die pair to an additional formulation, enriching the overall picture of how the Shield design interacts with different metals.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Approximately 3-8 examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-3589