1868 Shield Nickel. Reverse of 1867. FS-107. Repunched Date, Doubled Die Obverse. MS-65 (NGC). Probable finest certified for this elusive and conditionally challenging variety, this impressive Gem represents a significant bidding opportunity for the specialist. Satiny surfaces are untoned apart from wisps of iridescent champagne-gold. Obverse doubling is readily evident with the aid of a loupe, the lower portion of that side also exhibiting a number of prominent cracks, one of which arcs through the top of the date. This variety does not show up in the current online <em>NGC Census</em>. The present example is attributed on the holder with the old number FS-003.97, which probably explains its absence from the current <em>Census</em>. Presumably no examples of this variety have been certified by that service in recent years, while PCGS reports only two examples designated FS-107 -- AG-3 and VF-30. As a solidly graded and attractive Gem Mint State example, this coin is likely the finest certified 1868 FS-107 nickel. From the Q. David Bowers Collection.
