Exact ‘autumn’ detail to look for on your old nickel to make it worth $3,960 – even with some ‘cracks’ on the front

A REMARKABLE coin has surfaced in the numismatic world: the 1867 Rays Shield Nickel, graded MS65 by PCGS and bearing the CAC green label.

This exceptional coin is not only notable for its high grade but also for its unique characteristics, including a shattered obverse die.

The 1867 Rays Shield Nickel, identified by PCGS# 3791 and NGC ID# 22NY, is a classic example of mid-19th-century American coinage.

This particular specimen stands out due to its pristine condition and the intriguing die error it exhibits.

The shattered obverse die has caused numerous cracks to appear along the margins of the coin.

Despite this, the coin's strike sharpness remains unaffected, a testament to its excellent preservation.

It was sold for $3,960 at auction, proving its value.

WHAT MAKES THE COIN

The coin displays a beautiful autumn-gold toning that enhances its visual appeal.

The fields exhibit hints of iridescence, adding a layer of complexity and charm to its already captivating appearance.

The CAC green label indicates that this piece is one of the few in its grade to receive such an endorsement, highlighting its quality and desirability.

According to population data, there are only 52 examples of this coin graded MS65, with just four being graded MS65+ and eleven examples graded finer.

The CAC figures are equally impressive, with only 14 pieces in MS65 and two in finer grades.

This scarcity, combined with the coin's exceptional condition and unique die error, makes it a highly sought-after item for collectors.

The 1867 Rays Shield Nickel weighs 5.00 grams and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

This alloy was chosen for its durability and resistance to wear, qualities that have contributed to the coin's impressive state of preservation despite the die error.

As with many historical coins, the combination of rarity, quality, and unique features make this 1867 Rays Shield Nickel a standout piece in any collection.

Its shattered obverse die, coupled with its high grade and CAC approval, underscores its significance and appeal to serious numismatists.

Rare coins

You may be holding something valuable in your wallet. Check out these articles on rare coins to see if you may have a treasure hidden deep in your pockets.

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• Lincoln double die obverse penny sells for $2,000
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• Rare nickel sells for $1,956 on eBay
• 1889 CC Morgan Silver dollar coin sells for $1,850
• Lincoln 1992 penny can be worth up to $25,000
• Standing Liberty quarter sells for $565
• Lincoln coin minted in 2020 sells for $525

ALL ABOUT THE PCGS

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is an American organization specializing in third-party coin grading, authentication, attribution, and encapsulation.

Established in 1985 by seven founding dealers, including former president David Hall, the service aimed to standardize coin grading practices.

Now a global entity with divisions in Europe and Asia, PCGS is owned by Collectors Universe.

To date, PCGS has graded over 42.5 million coins, medals, and tokens, with a total value exceeding $36 billion.

PCGS provides a free, partially accessible online compilation of values for US and foreign coins, but these values apply only to coins that have been certified by PCGS.

The data for these values is collected from multiple sources, including dealer advertisements, price lists, auction results, and transactions at trade shows.

This isn't the only coin that can get you thousands of dollars.

A coin that is no longer in production is highly coveted by collectors, with some willing to pay nearly $700,000 for a single specimen.

And a coin collector explained how to determine the edge detail on a quarter that makes it worth $8,000.