Yeah, I couldn't pass this one up, really didn't care about the steps, the smooth yet blazing luster on this coin makes the tones pop. What did NNC grade it?
I think it is MS64 but it is a neat looking nickel. I think it got a generous MS65 if you meant NGC. NNC (rings a bell ?) probably gave it MS66 or better.
The 49-D is often found with nice toning and great luster, but the strike and surfaces are usually lacking. This coin has a decent strike except the steps and looks very clean. The luster doesn't show that much in your photos but if you say it is strong, I would grade the coin MS65. The formula for NNC is to take the actual grade and add 3, with a max grade of MS68, so I say NNC graded the coin MS68.
I’m at 64+ myself. I think great appeal though and would snag that myself. I appreciate @Lehigh96 input regarding the strike details. Good to know for the year. Enjoy the coin.
The 49D is an interesting subject on the Jeff series, I think that this one rides around a 65. I stand by the luster.