I am wondering if this piece I found is a real one. I have taken it to a few places, but no one could tell if it is or isn't. I don't want to send it in for grading because I thought I'd at least get some opinions, but so far nothing. I can't tell either as these coins weren't the best of this year. I even weighed and measured the coin as well.
In the early days of making US coins, they concentrated on the silver issues and instead of a nickel, we had half dimes. After the Civil War, small change was in short supply and they had to come up with some new issues. The nickel was one of these and the shield nickel was the first. Didn't last too many years before being replaced by the V nickel. One in this condition is worth $20-$30. Take a look here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_(United_States_coin) Welcome to CT.
With rays is a good coin, if it hasn't been cleaned. I can't tell from these photos if it has been cleaned or not.
Thank you plenty for the answers. I have been a bit careless to the coin not knowing, I'm putting it away ASAP. It is a very lucky find for me!
Good for you! Yes, that is a nice one. Shield nickel with rays is a first year issue and a quite handsome coin to boot. Yes, please protect that handsome nickel!
