Possible SMS 1964 SMS Nickel w/ all the distinguishing marks. Please give me your opinions.

On my journey of coin roll searching, I’ve found this no mint mark, 1964 strong detail nickel with that unique finish I’ve never seen on another 1964 nickel. That reflective yet satin like finish. I’ve taken up close photos of me holding the coin in multi angles. Also has all 5 steps and deep square shaped walls. I’m considering getting it graded. What do u all think?

 

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I would need to see better Pictures or grade it in hand. Here is some light and enjoyable reading. 1964 Nickel Value: Errors, No Mint Mark & D Mint Worth Money

 

To me it’s not worth the cost to grade.

 

Don’t hold your coins like that. Fingerprints never come off.

 

At least they aren't using metal clamps.

 

You need to show a clearer picture. Can't see the steps that way

And he doesn't have dirty fingernails

 

Clear straight on, close-up pictures are needed to really see it properly. I will say though, there is no chance it is a sms nickel. Beyond the fact that if there is any such thing at all, they don't exist in circulation, rolls, accumulations, were never released to the public in any way, this coin was struck with a tilted die. If all were struck from the same dies and die setup that would rule it out right there. You have a reasonably nice normal1964 nickel, nothing more.

 

I think that the influencer (Angelica) probably has 1-2 podcasts or runs 2-3 columns on the internet somewhere. For those folks who keep their nose stuck into their computer or cell phone, the article was written for you, and you probably believe it. Why would anyone believe that crapolla?

 

I was wondering if someone would mention that. Wasn’t the whole 1964 SMS thing debunked a while back? i.e. they don’t exist. Maybe it involved the half dollar, can’t remember and too lazy to look for the articles.

 

What are you guys talking about? The SMS coins from 1964 absolutely exist, Heritage has auctioned 9 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickels through the years (see link below).

Heritage Auctions 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickels

Now the OP surely doesn't have one, his is either an impaired proof or a well struck business strike, but they do exist.

 

They are real but estimated only between 15 and 50 specimen sets held by then director Eva Adams and sold after her death when her estate was liquidated. Coin Week article:
The Mint's Enigmatic 1964 Special Mint Set Coins

 

OK, you made me look for it. November 2024 Numismatist "The 1964 Special Mint Sets: Special or Not?". Extensively researched article. Heretical to those who own coins designated as such. Conclusion:

 

The article mentioned above debunks that. While they likely originated with Eva Adams, the first sale occurred in 1990, and she didn't die until 1991, so they didn't come from her estate sale. At least, not all of them, the way I interpret it.

 

It is well established that Lester Merkins purchased portions of Eva Adams estate, and this quote is taken directly from the Heritage sale of the Lester Merkins 1964 SMS Jefferson.

So the first sale according to Heritage was in 1993, not 1990. Furthermore, you didn't provide a link to an article, you just copied a paragraph from the article that disputes everything we know about the 1964 SMS coins.

 

I would like to add, that the author of the Numismatist article has never even seen one of the 1964 SMS coins, and contends that his analysis of the photos is more than sufficient to support his research. Here is a quote from him on the CU forum.

The guy spent years trying to debunk the existence of the 1964 SMS coins, but has never even seen one in hand? Color me not impressed or convinced.

 

You have to be a member of ANA to view the Numismatist archives. If you're a member, it's easy to find, if not, link would be useless. The author does lay out a strong case that these were only "special strikes" from the standpoint that they were done at the same time with the same dies as the set donated to the Smithsonian, and were not "experimental." But you'd have to read it and judge for yourself. Coin collecting is filled with "we suspect that" which then becomes accepted as fact.

 

I remember reading it on the CU Forum when it was written originally and now that post looks like this:

So while I don't have access to the final version of his research that ended up being published in the Numismatist, I do have his admission of publishing inaccurate information on a coin forum.

And even if his version of events is correct, that would still make them presentation pieces, which would explain the superior level of preservation seen on these coins. Personally, I would rather have an MS68 business strike than an experimental trial piece for the SMS program anyway.

 

Do you have a link to that discussion? Might be interesting to see the other comments. I don't have any skin in this game either, I'm just naturally a naysayer/cynic and so stuff like that article sticks in my head.