1866 Pattern J-495 5C PCGS PR65BN (CAC) EX GERALD FORSYTHE

EX. GERALD R. FORSYTHE COLLECTION, as noted on the insert.

We LOVE this coin!

This is a VERY RARE Shield nickel pattern! Not only is it one of less than a half dozen thought to exist, but it is a wonderful GEM quality piece. Similar to the adopted obverse but with a ball that divides the date on the shield. The reverse die features a short 5 in an olive or laurel wreath. Struck in copper with a plain edge, J-495 is rated R-7+, with 4-6 known in all grades. This is a wholesome and lovely GEM! Mahogany brown with red clay hues that are just a real pleasure to look at. The surfaces show a wonderful reflection, particularly on the reverse, where there are tinges of gold and blue that add to the exceptional eye appeal.

Ex. Superior, October 1992, lot 1207; Stack’s, November 2008, lot 3934 Heritage, January 2010, lot 3743; Seattle Collection; Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auction 37, March 2020, lot 126; Gerald R. Forsythe Collection; Regency Auction 50, January 2022, lot 278.

PCGS 2, NGC 0, CAC 2. This coin realized $6,463 in April 2023 and the current PCGS Price Guide value is $9,000. Finer than the Simpson Collection coin, this specimen has a great look, great pedigree, and will fit into the FINEST of pattern collections. How cool is a copper example of an 1866 Nickel?