1867 Shield Nickel With Rays Proof - Coin Community Forum

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 609
CaptJeffWorthFL Valued Member United States 247 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 08:20 am Two years ago I found this roll hunting. This morning I was scrolling the PCGS app and since I have been going back through my Nickels, I decided to look at the Shield nickels. I have been learning about details on coins like FB for Full Bands on dimes reverse, older proofs and other things I should know. This Shield nickel has always puzzled me as to why it has that dark background or cameo. I figured it was PMD from someone painting it long ago and the raised portions just wore down, leaving the darker background. Come to find out that this is a proof design all along with only 60 minted. I may be wrong, but according to PCGS app there were only 60 total proofs made. It is a pretty worn down coin, but the rarity of it has to hold at least some value. If anyone here knows a lot about this particular coin please chime in. Report this Post to the Staff

RedRaider Pillar of the Community United States 1018 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 08:29 am Just my 5 cents.....that coin is not a proof. They made over 2,000,000 business strikes for this date. Coins is still worth more than face value, but not more than $10. Report this Post to the Staff
CaptJeffWorthFL Valued Member United States 247 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 09:24 am What is the dark background? Was that on business strike Shield nickels as well? Report this Post to the Staff
ratman4762 Pillar of the Community United States 2520 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 09:36 am Quote: What is the dark background? Was that on business strike Shield nickels as well? The dark coloring on your well circulated nickel is due to environmental damage (staining or corrosion). It is seen on many early nickels. It is very different from a cameo on a proof coin. Report this Post to the Staff
CaptJeffWorthFL Valued Member United States 247 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 10:16 am Yes that makes sense. Well it's a mystery solved for me. I just thought it was so odd with the darker colored background being so perfectly uniform around the raised portion of the coin. And those PCGS photos I looked at threw me for a loop. If it's too good to be true then almost 100% of the time it is. Thanks guys for your info! Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 187507 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 10:22 am Circulation cameo. Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
RedRaider Pillar of the Community United States 1018 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 10:23 am The dark background you see in the proof images are mirrored surfaces. Report this Post to the Staff
Errers and Varietys Bedrock of the Community United States 73579 Posts	Posted 07/15/2025 11:44 am Still a great find! Errers and Varietys. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 7 / Views: 609

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: US Coins and Currency Forums Forum: US Classic and Colonial Coins

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.35 seconds to rattle this change.