1866 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-524a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,700 PR63 03-06-1997 Bowers & Merena

Description

The "a" variant of J-524, this piece represents an additional alloy experiment on the same die pair. Among the most elusive of the 1866 Shield Nickel patterns, the "a" variants from the late sequence were produced in tiny quantities and have survived in even smaller numbers. The existence of subsidiary variants this deep in the numbering sequence indicates that the Mint continued to receive requests or proposals for new alloy tests even as the primary program wound down, reflecting sustained Congressional and industrial interest in the five-cent coin's metallic specification.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Estimated 2-5 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3592