1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. Proof-65 (PCGS). OGH.This is an impressive example of this popular early Proof Shield nickel, with the Rays style officially used during only 1866 and part of 1867. An original patina of gold and peach shades blankets most of each side, accented by an area of crimson coloration at the central reverse. A silvery brilliance shines through in the obverse peripheries, revealing the truly pristine nature of the underlying surfaces. The fields are icy and considerably reflective, imparting a contrast with the frosted devices that is most dramatic on the obverse. One of the rarest early Proofs and a key date to the Shield nickel series, this issue has long been recognized as having a low original mintage, but more recent research leads us to believe it was considerably fewer than 100 pieces. Research by R.W. Julian found that Chief Coiner Snowden delayed striking Proofs of the Rays design for inclusion in annual Proof sets for the initial weeks of January in 1867. However, it is entirely likely that Mint Director Henry Linderman had the 1867 Rays Proofs struck clandestinely to be distributed to his collector friends, as was common during the Linderman era at the Philadelphia Mint. The fact that at least four different die marriages exist of this rare coin in Proof finish (per the research of John Dannreuther, in particular), seems to point to multiple strikings. Today, PCGS estimates that only about 60 individual examples exist, the presently offered piece being near the top in technical quality and eye appeal. Just two coins have been certified finer by PCGS in this category, emphasizing the truly superior quality of the present piece.<p>PCGS Population: 11; 2 finer in this category.
