1866/866 Shield Nickel. Rays. VP-015. Repunched Date. MS-65 (NGC). Brightly frosted surfaces exhibit delicate champagne-gold toning at the borders. Neither side offers an individually mentionable distraction, however there are the seemingly ubiquitous (for the type) die cracks around the obverse periphery. First of the Shield nickel issues, and just one of two to display the initial Rays reverse type, the 1866 is eagerly sought among numismatists. This Gem is rare from a condition standpoint, and even more significant due to the bold RPD variety. PCGS# 93790. NGC ID: 22NX. NGC Census (VP-015 attribution only): just 1 in all grades.
