1869 5C MS63 Certification #41023973, PCGS #3796

CoinFacts Details

Expert Comments

Ron Guth

The 1869 Shield Nickel was the last date to have a mintage over 10 million pieces. Because of the relatively largemintage, many examples survived in high grade in collections and accumulations. The most frequenyl-seen grade (by far) is MS-64, but ample quantities exist in MS65 to satisfy the demand for gem examples. The PCGS Condition Census consists entirely of MS66 examples, of which PCGS has certified eleven.

This date, like so many others in the series, often shows spidery die cracks, especially on the obverse. Often, the stars on the reverse are weakly struck. The ultimate 1869 Shield Nickel is one that is fully struck, bright, lustrous, and with no (or few) die cracks. Good luck finding such a creature!

PCGS #

3796

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Edge

Plain

Diameter

20.50 millimeters

Weight

5.00 grams

Mintage

16395000

Metal

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Pop Higher

293

Pop Lower

386

Region

The United States of America

Price Guide

PCGS Population

Auctions - PCGS Graded

Auctions - NGC Graded

Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More

Grades	Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.	Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.	Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.	Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	20000	R-2.8	13 / 17	14 / 19
All Grades	1000	R-5.0	13 / 17	13 / 19 TIE
60 or Better	150	R-7.5	11 / 17 TIE	12 / 19 TIE

Survival Estimate The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
65 or Better	20000
All Grades	1000
60 or Better	150

Numismatic Rarity Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
65 or Better	R-2.8
All Grades	R-5.0
60 or Better	R-7.5

Relative Rarity by Type Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	13 / 17
All Grades	13 / 17
60 or Better	11 / 17 TIE

Relative Rarity by Series Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
65 or Better	14 / 19
All Grades	13 / 19 TIE
60 or Better	12 / 19 TIE

Condition Census Learn More

Pos	Grade	Pedigree and History
1	MS66+ PCGS grade	“Greenbrier River” Collection (PCGS Set Registry)
1	MS66+ PCGS grade
3	MS66 PCGS grade
3	MS66 PCGS grade	American Numismatic Rarities 8/2006:178, unsold
3	MS66 PCGS grade

#1 MS66+ PCGS grade

“Greenbrier River” Collection (PCGS Set Registry)

#1 MS66+ PCGS grade

#3 MS66 PCGS grade

American Numismatic Rarities 8/2006:178, unsold

#3 MS66 PCGS grade