SHD-5c-1867-02 Shattered Die

Description

Recording a second instance of catastrophic die fracturing on the 1867 Shield Nickel No Rays type, SHD-5c-1867-02 confirms that shattered die failures were not isolated events during this early period of nickel five-cent production. Each shattered die develops its own unique crack pattern — a fingerprint of intersecting fractures determined by the die's stress history, metallurgical properties, and the random paths along which fatigue propagates through steel. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins, this variety was struck at Philadelphia in 75% copper and 25% nickel, the alloy chosen for the denomination at its 1866 inception. The copper-nickel composition redirected substantial striking force into the die face, and the Shield Nickel's bold relief demanded full-pressure strikes to achieve complete design transfer. Two shattered dies for the No Rays sub-type in its first year illustrates the toll this combination exacted on working dies, even after the ray removal specifically intended to extend die life. Collectors assembling a Shield Nickel variety collection will note that multiple shattered dies from 1867 speak to systemic manufacturing challenges during the denomination's formative years.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References