Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature US Coin Sale 1258 2-6 Aug 2017
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Proof Shield Nickels
1867 5C Rays PR65+ Cameo PCGS. Dannreuther-2. The Rays were removed from the reverse of the Shield nickel partway through the year in 1867 to improve striking quality and increase the life of the dies. A small number of proofs was struck using the old reverse before the design was switched over. John Dannreuther estimates perhaps 15 of these original specimens were struck. The rarity of the "Rays" issue was recognized at an early date, and collector demand resulted in the production of many restrikes. Perhaps as many as 60 specimens are extant today. Dannreuther's research suggests there were five different production runs, using three obverse dies in all.
This coin is struck from a late state of the Dannreuther-2 dies. The date is low, with 1 centered between dentils. There is no lump on the "ball ornament" at the bottom of the shield. Heavy die polish lines appear in the lower part of the shield on the obverse, the middle ray in the three below the second T of STATES is weak, and the dentilation around the reverse from 3-5 o'clock is noticeably attenuated. The design elements are strongly impressed and the deeply mirrored fields contrast profoundly with the frosty devices to create a dramatic cameo effect. The well-preserved surfaces show delicate highlights of greenish-gold color. A darker color spot near the leaves, in the upper left obverse field serves as a pedigree marker. Population: 8 in 65 (1 in 65+) Cameo, 8 finer (6/17).
HID02901242017
1867 5C Rays PR65+ Cameo PCGS. Dannreuther-2. The Rays were removed from the reverse of the Shield nickel partway through the year in 1867 to improve striking quality and increase the life of the dies. A small number of proofs was struck using the old reverse before the design was switched over. John Dannreuther estimates perhaps 15 of these original specimens were struck. The rarity of the "Rays" issue was recognized at an early date, and collector demand resulted in the production of many restrikes. Perhaps as many as 60 specimens are extant today. Dannreuther's research suggests there were five different production runs, using three obverse dies in all.
This coin is struck from a late state of the Dannreuther-2 dies. The date is low, with 1 centered between dentils. There is no lump on the "ball ornament" at the bottom of the shield. Heavy die polish lines appear in the lower part of the shield on the obverse, the middle ray in the three below the second T of STATES is weak, and the dentilation around the reverse from 3-5 o'clock is noticeably attenuated. The design elements are strongly impressed and the deeply mirrored fields contrast profoundly with the frosty devices to create a dramatic cameo effect. The well-preserved surfaces show delicate highlights of greenish-gold color. A darker color spot near the leaves, in the upper left obverse field serves as a pedigree marker. Population: 8 in 65 (1 in 65+) Cameo, 8 finer (6/17).
HID02901242017