Not an expert on nickels but isn't there too much lighting on this coin for a proper assessment? Just back of on the lighting please. Thanks.
Thanks everyone. I need better photos. I have a 1959 proof. Perhaps I can get the two of them together.
Hard to tell from those photos but I’d go with a business strike due to it looking like a worn die struck it and it didn’t circulate a lot.
Need a clear photo in normal light. But there are WAY too many steps for a 1959 business strike. I would lean to Proof.
I'm kind of leaning to a business strike in decent condition, with a somewhat worn die (seeing some softness in the lettering, Jefferson's hair, and the edges of Monticello, but the steps are still pretty sharp. So only slightly worn die). But hard to tell with the lighting.
I don't photograph each of my Proof coins which are in flat packs. I can't show you a 1959 Proof nickel, but here is a 1938 Proof. Your coin should be as sharp as this one.
Yes Jersey that is a good point about the rims. But I never see old coins in circulation with any kinds of steps. Even if it is the first one minted off the line.
If plated it’s probably nickel which is slightly ferromagnetic. Found another nickel plated coin today myself. Stand it on edge & pass a magnet by it.
Pulled a 1999-P New Jersey state quarter out of a roll a long time ago, the edge was "silver" but I knew right away it was plated. I just tested it with a strong magnet and nothing. IDK what they plated it with, platinum for sale on HSN? Sorry about the hijack. I guess your OP coin is not a proof, but that's a hell of a lot of steps for a 1959 circulated nickel.