1885 Liberty Head Nickel. MS-66 (PCGS). Rare premium Gem quality for this key date nickel five-cent issue. Splashed with iridescent reddish-gold patina, both sides are predominantly antique silver gray in appearance. The texture is smooth and satiny, the surfaces exceptionally well preserved and silky smooth to the eye. The 1885 is a low mintage issue with just 1,472,700 circulation strikes produced. Since contemporary numismatists largely ignored these coins in favor of their Proof counterparts, virtually the entire mintage slipped quietly into circulation, where most were worn out and eventually lost. Today the 1885 is scarce in circulated grades and rare even at the lower reaches of Mint State preservation. This impressive MS-66 is a significant condition rarity that is sure to sell for a strong bid.
