1956 Jefferson Nickel--Guess the Grade

I'd pull that from circulation

 

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Do you have better pics?

 

these are the best I can get with my webcam , sorry

 

OK - so we need you to get a real camera.

 

Kanga,

The reverse details of the Jefferson Nickel deteriorated over the years due to hub deterioration since the reverse design change in 1940. If you look at a coin from each decade, you can see the deterioration.







The details became so bad by 1970, that the mint finally did an overhaul to the reverse design in 1971 (see photo below) where all of the details were strengthened. It is kinda hard to tell from the photo which is plagued by die fatigue, but it is the only 1971 I have. A have posted a 1975 below it.




Then again in 1977, the reverse design was modified again. The number of lines above the windows and doors on the porch of Monticello was increased (see photo below).



The coin you plucked from circulation is obviously a post 1977 coin which should show much better reverse details than any coin minted in the 50's or 60's.

 

Thank you for the quick education. I appreciate it ! This is the kind of information sharing that makes CT worthwhile.
The coin I displayed was indeed post 1977.

 

You are correct. I didn't include the '67 design modification because IMO, it didn't really work. If you look at any 1969-D Jeffersons, you will see what I mean. The '82 design change was to prevent the similar hub deterioration and is noticeably different from the '77 design change but not really by looking at the central details of Monticello as discussed here.

 

It's a 1987. The strikes that year were particularly hammered, presumably by the way the die was cut, which had to have been unique that year, as the reverses of '87's have a very distinctive look... just like that coin. If it's not an '87, I'll be fairly surprised.

Signed,
Dude who searches tons of boxes of nickels.

 

Merc - you are right on the money. It is indeed a 1987-D.

 

Not really worth keeping, IMHO, unless it's a 65 or better. The examples in my dansco (Pulled from boxes) are probably 65-66 6FS.

 

Here is a raw 1956 to compare Paul's graded beauty too. The details on the reverse are much weaker then his. Still a beauty though.

 

nice pics

 

nice!!!

 

Thanks Ruben. It only took me close to 3 years, 3 cameras, and 1000's of images to figure it out.

 

I pulled out my MS66 to compare. What do you guys think?




The MS67 is definitely cleaner and has much better steps, but I think the overall strike is better on the MS66.

 

you were just jelous of this other guys picture! You couldn't even give him 5 minutes of glory!

 

Pretty even, imho.

 

LOL, me and Greg are friends, I would never do that (steal his thunder). His coin prompted me to think, what does my other 1956 look like strike wise. I profess my innocence! hehehe

 

I'm not gonna pretend I'm innocent.





I will say that all of these nickels are way nicer than mine, grade-wise.