Whitman Expo
1866 Rays Nickel PR Values
Details
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.
Obverse: 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: 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.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
600
Coinage Type:
Shield nickel
Coinage Years:
1866-1867
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Rays
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Proof
Diameter:
20.5 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
IN GOD WE TRUST, 1866
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
5, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
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