NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 3817 Coin Date: 1866 Denomination (Short): 5c Denomination (Long): 5 Cents Variety: Rays Desg: PR Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel Mintage: 600 Strike Type: Proof Coinage Type: Shield nickel Coinage Years: 1866-1867 Mint Location: Philadelphia Diameter: 20.5 Weight (Grams): 5 Weight (Ounces): 0.1608 Designer: James B. Longacre Edge: Plain Obverse Description: A shield flanked on the left and right by leaves topped with a cross with arrows positioned behind at the bottom so the arrow heads and shanks protrude at the sides. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the top periphery with the date positioned at the bottom center. Reverse Description: A large numeral 5 surrounded by 13 stars centered in the design with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * CENTS around the periphery. Straight lines, depicting rays of the sun, extended from the numeral to between the stars. The rays were removed in 1867. General Notes: First year of issue for both the Proof Shield Nickel Series and for the change of the 5 cent denomination from silver to nickel (both continue together until 1873). Extremely low mintage of 600 coins of which most were saved, making this issue scarce yet very accessible. Scarce in all grades and becoming rare as a high-end gem. Difficult to locate with cameo surfaces and a true rarity with deep cameo surfaces, as only a handful exist. Nice toners can be found with some searching. PCGS #: 3817 NGC ID: 276G
