For Shield Nickel Gurus...

Below please find 3 close-up images of an 1883 Shield Nickel specimen.

While grading the specimen, I noticed that it looked a bit 'quirky'. So I scoped it, and the results include these three photos.

As seen with the Shield nickel series, die cracks are apparent on this strike. That said, upon inspection, I thought that the motto strike looks a bit odd to me...

Now, I'm not avering there's anything wrong with the specimen, however, that said, as Shield nickels are a little 'out of the box' for me, thoughts and input are appreciated.

* Note that the lighting on this specimen is a little cold and sterile. The light source comes from a white LED that illuminates the stage of the stereo microscope. The photos were taken by aligning the lens of the SLR to the left eyepiece of the scope.

Thanks,

- CheetahCats

 

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Shield nickels are a "ugly duckling" of coins.Not that I dont like them I love them.But,as the mint as always,experiments with metals that they use.the shield nickel along with the V nickel,they did not predict the outcome of their art in creating them.they made planchettes with harder metal,and did not predict the amount of wear that it would put on the dies.with the economy at the time,needing more nickels in use for circulation.they continued on with striking nickels even after the dies were nearly completely destroyed.you are looking at 2 factors re-engraving of letters and or also what is refered to as "longacre doubling". this comes from the designer of the indian head penny.it is a special engraving process used,where the thought was that the metal would flow better,but created a "doubling" look.shield nickels are nutorious for major die breaks and doubling,die doubling,etc.they are a entirely wonderful piece of history with alot of wonderful errors.

 

Love it and yes die cracks and the motto like that are common. I think in most cases with shield nickels the rarity is getting a cleanly struck coin. But I do like them. Still waiting on Ed Fletchers new book - hope it comes out this year.

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback and input. I like the Shield series too, probably because it is indeed an 'underdog'.

 

Great nickel. Most of mine have something like that going on.
As for being an underdog I think that might always be the case with them but it doesn't stop me from liking them

 

Indeed a very interesting series. Shield nickels will keep you on your toes...

 

For nickels, they're my second only to the Liberty.

 

I really love finding them in XF or better it is such a rare treat.

 

Shield's are the best!!

 

Not to change the subject but I was wondering if you would tell me what scope you used to take those pictures. Those are great and I would like to get me one of those scopes. Thanks

 

Believe it or not, this appears to be the scope. I bought either this model or a very similar model about a year ago. Nothing fancy, but it works great for me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/20X-50X-BINOCULAR-STEREO-MICROSCOPE-LED-LIGHT-/400011788113?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d228f7f51

 

Thanks for the link but how did you take the picture. I dont see were you can hook it up to your computer

 

As per the OP. :secret:

 

Ok, now I feel like an idiot. :headbang:
Thanks for the info and some very very good pics.

 

Thanks for the compliment

I checked out the USB microscopes online, but wasn't comfortable with their megapixel capabilities. I experimented with putting my camera's lens up to the eye piece, and voila, was happy with the results.

Also I'm more comfortable with having a traditional scope. 9:10 times I don't desire a photo or a computer hook-up. I grab the scope, examine, and don't have to fumble with cables and s/w.

Good luck