Lot 2658
1885 Liberty Nickel. PCGS graded MS-65. Lightly toned and boldly struck. A key date coin. The 1885 has a mintage of just 1.4 million pieces -- the lowest in the regular-issue Liberty Nickel series after only that of the 1912-S. A very challenging issue to locate in all grades, the 1885 ranks as the second-rarest Nickel of this type in all Mint State grades. Interestingly, the slightly higher-mintage 1886 is actually a bit more challenging to collect, but the difference between these two issues in terms of market availability is so negligible as to be all but moot. In reality, the lower mintage and higher profile of the 1885 usually translates into greater demand for the issue -- demand that is only really matched by the 1912-S among business strikes in this series.
This is a simply beautiful Gem that is the among finer 1885 Nickels we have handled in recent memory. Satiny and smooth, the surfaces exhibit full frost in the fields as the coin reflects light falling on it. The strike 100% full including both ears of corn in the wreath (proverbial weak points in the design), and merges perfectly with the grade as to the definition of First Rate Gem. Far superior to that typically seen for the type. A captivating Key Date that would serve as a centerpiece in the finest Liberty Nickel set. Pop 39; 19 finer, 16 in 66, 1 in 66+, 2 in 67. A nice frosty coin (PCGS # 3846) .
Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000.
The Coltrin Family Collection.
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| Realized $8,913 |
