1878 Shield Nickel. Proof-67+ (PCGS). A dazzling Top-Pop jewel with icy and lustrous reflectivity gleaming in the fields on both sides. Subtle pinkish color at the central obverse is complemented by violet, powder-blue and golden iridescence elsewhere. Sharply struck and essentially untouched beneath a glass. <p>The Mint produced just 2,350 nickel five-cent pieces in 1878, all of which are Proofs. With such a limited production figure, this is one of the rarest and most eagerly sought dates in the Shield series of 1866 to 1883. An estimate 1,900 examples remain from this original mintage but the vast majority are found in grades of Proof-65 and lower. The present Superb Gem is among the very finest known, ranking at the top of the PCGS Population Report in this category. Seemingly destined for an advanced Registry Set.