An excellent example of the problems the Mint dealt with in producing the first U. S. Nickel series. The 1870 Shield Nickel is known for problems with dies cracking, despite the Mintage dropping from 16.3 Million in 1869, to less than 5 Million in 1870. This drop in production is likely the effect of de-hoarding of minor coinage after the U. S economy began to recover after the Civil War, meaning fewer Nickels were needed in circulation. This pattern is also repeated in the Indian Cent series. This coin certainly shows some die cracks, but beyond that shows evidence of partially grease filled dies (weak Obverse lettering and date), a heavily repolished Obverse die and on top of that it was struck on a planchet that suffered from noticeable planchet flaws. The curving, heavy polish lines at the top of the Shield are noted on other specimens I researched, so despite some of the other problems, this Obverse die was responsible for producing a number of coins that survive today in Uncirculated grades. The enlarged images also show the two major areas of noticeable planchet flaws, the obvious one on the Reverse, as well as a less obvious one at 3:00 to 5:00 of the Obverse. This appears as a brighter, sort of “polished” looking area, where the surface composition was likely closer to pure Nickel due to a poor job of alloying the material. The Reverse also displays a series of tight, parallel polish lines running Southwest to Northeast, evidence of the die shop using a grinding wheel to remove clash marks, presumably. Evidence of this is also found in the letters missing portions of loops and/or stands. These light lines would disappear very quickly with any circulation, so would not likely be visible on even AU-50 coins. They can also easily be mistaken for the common hairlines found on the Reverse of most Uncirculated Shield Nickels, due to light scuffing or cleaning, where the open nature of the fields failed to protect the surface. Due to the nature of the planchet flaws, this coin would not certify at PCGS or NGC, per their standard policy, however it is strictly Uncirculated, and equivalent to a MS-61 or 62 coin. I removed it in fact from a first-generation PCI “photo slab”, both because I find those difficult to sell, and to remove a light haze of PVC that was on the surface. I think this coin simply belongs in a coin album, however if the Uncirculated nature is of a concern to anyone, I will guarantee a certification of “Unc Details” if you bother to send it in.