Need your opinion folks. Could this be a variety of an 1866 Repunched Date Shield Nickel? I've read there's something around 5 or 6 varieties known of this error. If so, which one is it? If it is not an error I want to know as well. Someone sold it to me claiming it's a Repunched Date but somehow I think this is an incorrect assessment. Thank you for your time!
Maybe more than that. First I would say more than likely it is - seems like there are a ton of repunched dates for 1866, but this is not one of the dramatic ones. Those you can actually see the numbers offset. Now I am more curious about the second leaf cluster on the right. I see three leaves and dirt where the fourth leave should be. Do you have a cherry pickers guide? Usually there is a small remnant of a fourth leaf. It could be there in the dirt or worn off.
I see the 4th leaf you're talking about. It's more obvious if you see the coin in person. I see there might be a doubled "8" between the "8" and "6" digits. Now question is what variety is this one? I just included another clearer picture. If this coin wasn't so dirty it would be a lot easier to figure out.
I can't really answer that - I am anxiously waiting the new book from Ed Fletcher. Should be later this year.