1866 Nickel Pattern - J-473
Strike Type
Coin Details
Auction Record
$76 AU58 04-13-2019 eBay
Description
A business-strike impression of the adopted Shield Nickel design, this non-proof J-473 demonstrates how the coin would appear when produced under standard manufacturing conditions rather than the carefully controlled proof process. Business strikes are produced at higher speed with unpolished dies, resulting in a less reflective surface finish that more accurately represents the coins Americans would encounter in daily commerce. This distinction makes business-strike patterns particularly valuable for evaluating a design's practical appearance, as the proof format can flatter a design that might look less impressive at production quality. The Shield obverse and rays reverse are rendered with the same boldness but without the mirror-field contrast of proof examples.
Rarity Notes
R.6. Approximately 15-25 examples known.
Cross References
Pollock-3541
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.