1866 Shield Nickel, Rays, PCGS MS63, Gold CAC

Today we are proud to present an absolutely exceptional Shield/Rays Nickel that is considered by professionals to be far better than graded. Longacre’s Shield Nickel is one of the loveliest interpretations of the early nickel, with flashing rays catching the viewer’s eye and telling them they carry something special. In this case, it’s even more special because this PCGS coin has been bequeathed the coveted Gold CAC sticker. Most interpret the Gold CAC sticker to mean the coin is choice for the next highest grade, so in this case equivalent to PCGS MS64+. Were the coin only a 63, there would be about 800 graded finer. As a 4+, a mere 240 finer have been graded.

Please note that the coin came to us with a cracked early OGH slab. The serial number puts this old green holder in the PCGS Gen 1.2 era, certified by PCGS between 1986 and 1989, one of their earliest authentications. The coin’s surfaces exhibit excellent luster and beautiful natural toning from a not fully-mixed alloy batch. A very interesting piece of Reconstruction era American numismatics.

Certified Mint State 63 by PCGS, Verified Mint State 64 or better by CAC.