I have two (well worn) 'Shield' nickels. A bronze 1882 (no rays) nickel (4,68gm, 20.5mm), and a 'Silver' 1866 (with rays) nickel (4.85gm, 20.4mm). I cannot find a refernce to an 1866 'Silver' nickel in my 2017 (Red) "A Guide Book Of United States Coins", so what do I have?
Shield nickels are made from copper and nickel, unless you have a freak error (which I don't believe you do) they're silver and bronze in color only
I guess my next question would be "Why is there such a color difference? or could a silver planchet have gotten mixed in with the bronze ones?" as has happened with other denominations?
@Conder101 Thank-you. I can relate to that. What do you think of this date (from the 1866 nickel)? Overdated or just 'clumsy'? (EDIT) After some cleaning
Probably just clumsy. Can't really be an overdate, what would it be over? They didn't have 1865's except for some pattern pieces. Does look like it might have a die crack down through the first 6, or possibly a die chip joining it to the ball.
The only ones with rays are the 66 and 67, (as well as no rays) all the others are no rays and don't need to be labeled as such. Since there are no 68-83 with rays varieties.
The silver colored one is worn and circulated with no environmental damage. The dark colored one lay in the ground for a long time before being found most likely with a metal detector. I have been accumulating dug coins by date and mint. The current nickels, dimes and half dollars also turn dark.
