1866 Shield Nickel. Rays. Honoring Guide Book Label. Proof-67 Cameo (NGC).This is an exquisite survivor of the premier Proof issue in the United States Mints nickel five-cent series. Untoned silver white surfaces allow ready appreciation of strong contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields. Fully struck throughout with awesome visual appeal. A shallow, curved strikethrough at the lower left obverse border is as made, while a scratch on the back on the NGC holder is noted. The Proof mintage of this historic issue, which was not recorded by Mint personnel at the time of issue, is estimated at 800 to 1,200 coins by Q. David Bowers in his 2006 reference on this series. Superb Gems such as this are in the distinct minority among survivors, and with the Proof 1867 Rays a legendary rarity this issue enjoys extremely strong demand among Proof type collectors seeking a high quality example of this brief two-year design. A remarkable offering that is worthy of the strongest bids.The Act of May 16, 1866 authorized the new five-cent coin made in an alloy of 75% copper, 25% nickel. Remarkably, the original composition used on the first Shield nickels back in 1866 remains unchanged today.
