1868 Shield Variety?

Coxe

Anyone know if this 1868 shield nickel is an F-44? The reverse legend has distinct doubling. There is no doubling on the obverse motto; so not likely an F-45. There is a nice reverse break and lots of cool cracks on both sides. Also, if an F-44, what is the current known census. This one is in an ANACS AU58 holder and appears properly graded.

howards

An F-43 is a DDO only, so it can't be that. You likely were confusing that with the possibility that it could be an F-45, and I can tell you for sure it is not an F-45.

This is one of those cases where it is impossible to be 100% sure. The only documentation I know of for F-44 is in Ed Fletcher's book, and that book does not show photos of the engraved leaf or the date position. Regrettably, the photos in the book are also of an earlier die stage, so I can't match die cracks to your coin.

The possibilities are that your coin is an F-44, or it is an undocumented variety. I would say the probability is 95% or greater that it is an F-44 because the match looks very good, but I can't say absolutely yes.

I would like to photograph this coin for SNV if you would be willing to send it to me briefly. You would get a contributor's credit in SNV for doing so. It might be possible for you to take the photos for me - based on the samples above you seem capable of what SNV requires. Alternatively, if the coin is for sale I would be a buyer.

Nice coin!

Coxe

Yeah, caught my typo on the other variety number. The more I compare Fletcher to the coin, the more convinced I am it is the same. But like you said, you can never be 100% based on such sparse photographic evidence.

howards

Any chance of getting photos for SNV?

Thanks!

direwolf1972

Wow thats some nice doubling.

howards

I didn't answer your question about census. There is one AU55 listed in the pop. report I maintain:

Yahoo Shield Nickels Variety Population

I have found that a reasonable estimate of collectible survivors of any shield nickel variety ranges from 1/10 of 1% of the original mintage in the early years rising to 3/10 of 1% of the original mintage in the later years.

There's always the possibility that there are a few of these sitting around unattributed. Lots of people don't look at the reverse for varieties.

Coxe

<< <i>Any chance of getting photos for SNV?

Thanks! >>



Sent a PM earlier.