1878 Shield Nickel. Proof-67 Cameo (PCGS).Lightly toned in iridescent champagne-apricot, this enchanting Superb Gem also offers full striking detail and solid field to device contrast. One of the most eagerly sought issues in the Shield nickel series of 1866 to 1883, the 1878 is a Proof-only affair with just 2,350 pieces produced. All of these coins were distributed to the contemporary public as part of the years minor coin Proof sets, which also included an example of the Proof 1878 Indian cent and Proof 1878 nickel three-cent piece. Some of these sets, in turn, were included in the years silver Proof sets. Survivors have long been popular with advanced numismatists, this being one of the finest known to PCGS.
