1869 5C PR(PCGS#3823)

June 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1217

Grade

PR68

Price

19,200

Lot Description

Stunning Ultra Gem Proof 1869 Shield Nickel 1869 Shield Nickel. Proof-68 (PCGS). One look at this beautiful specimen and it will be obvious why it is the single finest certified Proof 1869 nickel listed at PCGS. Peripherally toned in iridescent golden-apricot, reddish-pink and powder blue, both sides exhibit softer silver-gray in the centers. Virtually all design elements are fully struck, and reflective surfaces are serene from the rims to the centers. Dating to an era when the United States Mint had not yet begun to record the number of Proof minor coins struck each year, the mintage of the Proof 1869 Shield nickel is unknown. We do know, however, that at least 600 coins were produced for distribution as part of the year's silver Proof sets. Additional specimens were undoubtedly prepared for inclusion in three-piece minor coin Proof sets, explaining Q. David Bowers' (2006) estimate of 850 to 1,100 Proofs struck in all. While available by the standards of the early Proof Shield nickel series, most are poorly struck or show obvious signs of (mis)handling. The present example is a noteworthy exception to the rule in terms of surface preservation, and it is worthy of the strongest bids. Outstanding! PCGS Population: 1; 0 finer. PCGS# 3823. NGC ID: 276K. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.