1877 Shield Nickel. Proof-55 (PCGS).;Sharply defined with dominant medium gray patina, direct lighting reveals more vivid highlights of golden-apricot that are a bit more prevalent on the reverse. There is little actual wear, although a few wispy handling marks to the right of the digit 5 on the reverse are mentioned for accuracy. The popular and eagerly sought 1877 is one of two Proof-only issues in the Shield nickel series of 1866 to 1883.