They don't seem to get much respect, but I've always kinda liked 'em. Here's the one I bought this morning.
This one is an 1868 reverse of 1868 FS-906 Step Tail C. I cherry picked this when I was like 12 years old. This one is an 1870 Contemporary Counterfeit.
It was one of your "pick your prize" contests ($25 gift cert) then I paid the "extra" over it for the nickle was well worth it in my book (I think it was also the 1st contest I ever won here)
Now i will need to re shoot these in full but talk about RPD's ever seen anything like this? Im thinking that days rum allotment was a tad bit much.
Here's an example of a tall 1869 date Notice the digits are thiner as well taller than most 1869 shields as the 69 noted for fat digits.
The top 1869 is an mpd the flag of the 1 is in the ball....the 1866 a greaser strike as read the IGWT as OD WE TRUST. I've had a few discovery varieties in this series.
You're so correct they don't have a following as what one would expect.. but as a picker...they sure do offer the variety collectors a treasure trove of very unique and fantastic finds. You'll never grow tired of all the odd but fun finds.
My only Shield. This beauty was the prize in a 'guess the total' contest sponsored by @Randy Abercrombie .