1879 5C JD-3 (Proof)
Series: Shield Five Cents 1866-1883
PCGS PR66
- PCGS #:
- 102801
- Designer:
- James Barton Longacre
- Edge:
- Plain
- Diameter:
- 20.50 millimeters
- Weight:
- 5.00 grams
- Mintage:
- 3,200
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Auction Record:
- N/A
Die Varieties
Condition Census What Is This?
#1 PCGS PR67
Golden toning with wispy streaks of orange. Tiny diagonal mark below the 9 of the date. Small planchet void above the upper left corner of the flag of the 5. |
|
#2 PCGS PR66
Golden-peach toning all overse. Pin-sized copper-colored toning spot near 2 o'clock in the obverse field. |
The 1879 Shield Nickel Proof, JD-3
In United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Nickel (2023), John W. Dannreuther identifies two "perfect date" varieties of the 1879 Shield Nickel Proof: JD-2 (#102798) and JD-3 (#102801). The obverse and reverse dies for these varieties are unique to each pairing. For JD-3, Obverse 3 (noted for its low date position) is paired with Reverse C, which features a perfect "S" and thickened top of the "T" in "CENTS." Additionally, this variety exhibits some "Longacre Doubling" on the stars.
Collecting the 1879 Shield Nickel Proof, JD-3
While PCGS has long certified 1879 and 1879/8 Shield Nickel Proofs (#3834), die marriage variety certification for this series was only introduced in recent years. Consequently, cherrypicking JD-2 and JD-3 examples in older certified holders remains relatively easy—provided you know the pickup points. Once identified, PCGS can attribute these varieties through our Variety Program and record them to the Population Report.
Dannreuther estimates that 15% of the total 1879 Shield Nickel Proof production was struck using the 2-B (JD-2) die marriage. Applying a conservative attrition rate of 25%, the estimated number of extant examples stands at approximately 360 pieces.
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