1879/8 5C, CAM PR65CAM Certification #83630633, PCGS #83834

Charles Morgan

The 1879/8 Shield Nickel Proof

The 1879/8 Shield Nickel Proof (Base #3834) is a popular Guide Book overdate that actually encompasses two of the four 1879 Shield Nickel Proof die marriages, as identified by John W. Dannreuther in United States Proof Coins, Volume II: Nickel (2023). Of the two marriages, JD-1 (Obverse 1 with Reverse A) represents the overwhelming majority of all 1879 Proofs struck. The second overdate marriage, JD-4 (Obverse 1 with Reverse D), is rare, representing an estimated 5% of the total mintage.

While some have argued that the overdate is actually a repunched 9 or a result of a clogged die, the characteristics of an 8 punch are clearly visible under magnification.

Overdate Diagnostics: JD-1 (#102795) and JD-4 (#102804)

JD-1

Obverse:

• The 1: The left edge of the bottom serif of the 1 is positioned just to the right of the center of a denticle.
• Alignment: A vertical line extended upward from the left edge of this bottom serif aligns with the inside of the right diagonal stroke of the W in WE.
• The Ball: The top-left serif of the 1 nearly touches the ball of the shield.
• Rim: A denticle ridge is visible extending from the 6 o'clock toward the 7 o'clock position.

Reverse:

• Doubling: "Longacre Doubling" is present on several stars, specifically the star above the T in CENTS and the stars below AMERICA.
• The T: The letter T in CENTS features a thin, irregular top bar.

JD-4

Obverse: (Same as JD-1)

• The 1: The left edge of the bottom serif of the 1 is positioned just to the right of the center of a denticle.
• Alignment: A vertical line extended upward from the left edge of this bottom serif aligns with the inside of the right diagonal stroke of the W in WE.
• The Ball: The top-left serif of the 1 nearly touches the ball of the shield.
• Rim: A denticle ridge is visible extending from the 6 o'clock toward the 7 o'clock position.

Reverse:

• "Fishhook" S: Per Dannreuther: "...fishhook S of CENTS from doubled die hubbing of the normal hub and the defective 'Broken S' hub."

PCGS will attribute these varieties through our Variety Program.

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