3088: 1867 5C No Rays, Pattern Reverse, FS-1902, PR65 P

1867 5C No Rays, Pattern Reverse, FS-1902, PR65 PCGS. CAC. The nickel denomination was introduced in 1866. Die life was too short, and one culprit was the rays on the reverse of the Shield nickel design. Patterns were struck (Judd-507, Judd-573) without the rays. The design for those patterns differed from the issued 1867 No Rays nickels struck for commerce. The 13 stars had a different alignment with the peripheral legend. For example, a star points to the center of the first A in AMERICA on Judd-507, while the business strike 1867 No Rays nickel shows a star pointing between the AM in AMERICA. Only a small minority of proof 1867 No Rays nickels were struck with the pattern reverse, but it was included in issued proof sets, such as the original Garrett set offered in lot 706 of Stack's 1976 ANA auction. The variety is listed in both Cherrypickers' and the Guide Book. The present sharply struck Gem has light tan toning and exhibits noticeable cameo contrast, though the coin is not certified as such. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved