So I have found 1 other Nickel which only had a single line and no left balcony, now I have found one with neither a Right or Left Balcony. Thoughts? Uploading a 1970 D comparable and the right and left missing balconies pics. There may be die-clashing all along the top of Monticello but I cannot tell for sure.
That is true and was my first impression BUT after comparing to another nickel only a year older and in a bit rougher condition (the 1970 D coin where both balconies are visible) I noticed the line for the balconies was missing and there didn't appear to be the other balcony grids or lines either but the rest of the Monticello dome around it is there.
In 1971, the Jefferson nickel had a much overdue hub change. Really two hub changes, the first is missing the balcony and rails, the second has the balcony rails cut directly into the master hub. Both are common but little research has been done. Both are lumped under the reverse of 71.
I have seen many a B.U. coin in addition to circulation coins with this part of the building missing but I have always attributed it to an over used die or an over polished die. Happens a lot on the Jefferson Nickel. It also appears a lot on the base of the statue on the Lincoln Memorial cent.
My thoughts are that coin collecting is fun. There is something for everyone to find interesting and best of all it can be done very cheaply. Congratulations on your "find." Good luck and keep searching!
Thank you all for the support and information. I just found another 1976 D (see pic) with the left balcony missing, there is only a line where the balcony should be and is consistent with other 1970's Jefferson Nickels I have found. I really believe something with the die was going on at the time of striking the coin.
