1867 Shield Nickel. Rays. FS-304. Misplaced Date. VF-30 (NGC).An exciting offering for the advanced Shield nickel enthusiast, this coin is one of only three examples certified for the rare and eagerly sought 1867 Rays FS-304 Misplaced Date variety. Both sides of this attractive nickel exhibit light, even pewter gray patina. A touch of softness is evident along the reverse border from 3 to 7 oclock, but otherwise we note honest, even wear that has left all major design elements bold. The appearance is smooth and problem free. There is a trio of tiny pits in the center of the reverse that are well concealed within the top of the loop of the digit 5.The most significant diagnostic of this variety is what appears to be the base of an errant digit 1 protruding from the lower left corner of the ball of the base of the shield. This feature is readily evident when studied with the aid of a loupe, the present example also has prominent die breaks on the obverse from the lowest leaves on the branches at both left and right. As of the 2015 edition of Cherrypickers Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins</em> by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton, this variety was considered unique. Since then, however, at least two additional examples have come to light, current PCGS and NGC population data confirming that three coins have been certified in grades ranging from VF-30 through AU-58. The 1867 Rays FS-304 remains a formidable rarity despite the fact that, per Fivaz and Stanton, "Hundreds of dedicated Shield nickel enthusiasts are looking for this variety." With no records provided at PCGS CoinFacts</em>, this appears to be the first appearance at auction for the variety. An important bidding opportunity for the specialist that is worthy of serious consideration.PCGS# 38321. NGC ID: 22NY.
