I went 'fishing' on eBay this week and saw a nice coin I thought I would bid on. The 1883 Shield Nickel is in AU+ condition from what I can tell. In the description the guy added that he pulled the coin from a collection and it came from slot 1883/82. I tried to blow up the coin pics in Photoshop but could not determine one way or the other. I then tried to look up certain characteristics of dies in the 1883/82 varieties, but alas I was tired, and perhaps gotten it wrong when I saw a die crack from the obverse bottom, right leaf, that went down to the rim, which appeared to fit one of the varieties dies. http://www.shieldnickels.net/1883_2/fs013.html Of course I will know more and post pics when I receive it. I am keeping the coin if its strictly an 1883 Shield Nickel. If it is the error coin, I will likely sell it as errors are probably not going to be concentrated on in my collection.
Strictly speaking, if it is an overdate it is a variety, not an error. I can't tell if it is an overdate or not from that pic.
it came in today... I tried my best to get as close as possible but only could get whats below. I want to believe... isn't that 1 on top of a 1?
A nice looking coin like that deserves a safe home too , Intercept Shield , and airtites are #1 AND #2 in my book . rzage
don't worry that was just my flesh covered tongs Will be more careful in the future... is it ok to rub the coin with a soft cloth?
Rad, No. Rubbing the coin with anything can scratch the surface. I would recommend that you buy a book for beginner collectors that teaches the dos and don'ts like that. A book like that can pay for itself many times over if it keeps you from making a mistake that cannot be undone.
Not an overdate. Nice coin though. The shield nickels have alot of die cracks due to using soft metal dies. They wore down quickly. It's very common with the shield nickels of any date. However since you handled it that way now it's only worth $0.50 and I'll take it! :headbang: