1867 Nickel Pattern - J-A1867-15

Coin Details

Description

Judd-A1867-15 is another supplementary-catalog nickel pattern from the prolific 1867 Shield nickel experimental program. Like its neighbor J-A1867-14, this variety bears the "A" prefix indicating later identification and cataloging. The design elements relate to the Shield nickel series, with the obverse featuring the federal shield with crossed arrows and the reverse displaying the numeral 5 within a circle of stars. The distinction between J-A1867-14 and J-A1867-15 lies in specific die characteristics, edge treatment, or metallic composition. The 1867 nickel pattern series is remarkable for the granularity of its catalog documentation — minor die variations that might be overlooked on more common coin types were carefully recorded because each variety represents a deliberate choice by the Mint's engravers about how the new five-cent coin should look and perform. Shield nickels presented unique manufacturing challenges because of their composition. The 75% copper, 25% nickel alloy was significantly harder than the silver, gold, or copper alloys used for other denominations, requiring higher striking pressures and causing accelerated die wear. Many of the 1867 pattern varieties explore modifications to the design depth, relief height, and border configuration intended to mitigate these problems. The "No Rays" reverse adopted for regular production beginning in 1867 was itself the product of this experimental process, as the rays between the stars on the original 1866 reverse proved particularly troublesome to strike consistently in the hard copper-nickel alloy.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Very rare. Typically fewer than 5-10 specimens for supplementary 1867 nickel pattern varieties.

Cross References

Judd-A1867-15; cf. J-A1867-14