A sharp original Proof example, from an original Mintage of just 700 coins. The Shield Nickel series is one where Proofs outnumber Business Strikes in high grade, simply as collectors of the period viewed Proof coins as “better”, and they could be easily purchased from the Treasury at a very small premium by mail. Today we see Proofs as “different”, and Business Strikes commonly are worth more. This coin also shows some of the issues associated with the series, also common to Liberty Nickels to some extent, as the coin displays an obvious planchet flaw on the Reverse. The Mint took far less care with Cent & Nickel coinage as they were not “coin of the realm”, i. e. struck from precious metal, and officialdom watched their production less closely through the U. S. Assay Commission. Absent the flaw, this coin would certify Gem Proof, based upon my experience. The thin lines seen atop the Obverse are heavy die polish lines, not scratches; this die shows a number of polish lines in various places. Sold at the equivalent of a Proof 63.