1893 5c PR CAM

Key to Collecting: The 1893 nickel is another challenge for you, with the combination of sharp strike, good luster, and outstanding eye appeal being elusive. In America this was a year of economic depression, the effects of which would linger for the next several years. Proofs are scarce, but usually are attractive when found.

Characteristics and Appearance: Striking varies, and some have flat stars and, on the reverse, flatness near the ribbon bow. Avoid these. Luster ranges from subpar to attractive. As many die pairs were used, no single rule fits all coins. A total of 70 obverse dies were made. 3017 (Deep Cameo)——1,0001,5502,000 8,000

Characteristics and Appearance: Usually well struck with Full Details, but planchet flakes and lintmarks can be a problem.

Mintage and Distribution Notes: At least three obverse dies were used, with the date (as measured by the 1) high and close to neck, at the center, or close to the den- ticles. As Proofs are nearly always collected by date and not by die varieties, such dif- ferences are interesting but academic. Again, it is curious that multiple dies were needed for what amounted to the lowest production run up to this time for the Liberty Head nickel series.