Shield Nickels were designed by James Longacre and minted from 1866 to 1883. All coins were made in Philadelphia. 1877 and 1878 Shield Nickels are scarce proof-only dates.
Rays.
1866/1866. Rays. Repunched Date. RPD FS-303 (001.2) A nearly complete second impression of the date can be seen high and to the right of the main impression. This example has attractive nickel-gray surfaces and a solid strike.
No Rays.
Well struck and lustrous. A modest 561,000 minted and very elusive in high grade.
Sharply struck with rich brilliant luster and no significant marks. The terminal obverse die state shows dramatic die breaks.
Intense blazing luster over essentially flawless surfaces with frosted design features and beautiful subtle pastel hues. Super quality with just a single 67+ Cameo grading finer at PCGS.
CAC. Outstanding for the grade with beautiful silky smooth surfaces and a sharp strike. Very few have garnered CAC approval.
CAC.
CAC. Beautiful white surfaces with reflective fields and frosted design elements.
CAC. Blazing nickel-white luster with nearly perfect surfaces and strong cameo contrast.
Sharply struck and very flashy with bright deep mirrored surfaces that have subtle hues of rose and ice-blue.