GTG 1950-D Jefferson Nickel

What are "all of [your] standards"? 50-D is a tough date in a number of ways...

 

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MS67 5 FS....a beauty for sure.

 

Here are my standards for the 1950-D registry coin:

1) The coin must have premium gem surfaces and be preferably be graded MS67, though I would accept an undergraded coin in an MS66 or MS66+ holder.
2) The coin must have full details, not necessarily full steps, but it must not show more than trace mushiness in the hair or on Monticello. If the coin doesn't have full steps, it must be from a singular mark or inclusion and not from missing step detail.
3) It must have premium gem luster
4) It must have exceptional eye appeal that defines the coin in a unique way. This doesn't necessarily mean it has to be toned, but it has to have a look that is its own.
5) I will allow some planchet roughness on the jaw and shoulder, but the coin should not be plagued by it.

Here is the coin that filled my registry slot until earlier this year.



The coin clearly satisfies my first two standards, but the luster on the coin was a flat satin luster which did absolutely nothing to make the sandy gold toning pop. So not only did it not satisfy number 3, it also dragged down number 4 as well. When I bought the coin, I was happy with it, but as the years went by I became increasingly dissatisfied and decided to sell it and continue my search for my "white whale."

I have run into some nice coins as of late and may even post a thread where they compete against each other in the eyes of my fellow Cointalk members, should be fun, stay tuned!

 

My speed reading needs improvement. That and my eyesight.

 

[QUOTE="Lehigh96, post: 3782470, member: 15309u]5) I will allow some planchet roughness on the jaw and shoulder, but the coin should not be plagued by it.[/QUOTE]

Just starting to learn about these Jefferson planchet flaws, so I was wondering how scarce/hard it is to find one with minimal flaws at MS67/68 and below ? I'm guessing the better ones sell for a steep premium compared to another with the same grade. As they should I suppose.

 

That's a reasonable set of standards for a registry quality coin. When I look at https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/details/1950-d-ms/84042, I see quite a few FS coins, but you can't really tell how many of those are really fully struck.

As far as luster and eye appeal go, it seems like a properly graded premium gem coin should automatically satisfy 3 and 4 (and, arguably, 5). Do you think 50-D gets a break in premium gem grades for some reason?

 

Planchet roughness is pervasive in the Jefferson series. If you look at my registry set, virtually every coin has some level of remnant planchet roughness at the back of the jawline beneath the hair, and most have a touch of it on the cheek bone as well. And when I say pervasive, I mean it, even the war nickels that were struck from a silver alloy aren't immune. As you progress into the late 40's and the early 50's, it becomes ridiculous. My best coins with minimal planchet roughness would be my my 1941-D, 1944-D, and 1956. All of which are among the best struck date/mm in the entire series.

This is the main reason why @physics-fan3.14 hates grading Jefferson Nickels and why he likes this coin; this coin has very minor planchet roughness. The problem is that the TPGs don't punish the grade of the coin for planchet roughness since the coin is "as struck" so he sees coins graded MS67 or higher with extensive planchet roughness and it sends his blood pressure through the roof. As for your question about price premiums for coins with minimal planchet roughness, it is my experience that they do not drive significant premiums.

So while the 5th standard I provided applies to the 1950-D, there are many date/mm where I don't include that as a standard because it would eliminate the entire field of coins available. The 50-D is the key date regarding mintage, but it is very common in mint state, even in gem grades, and according to Nagengast, approximately 10% have full steps. My problem with the 50-D has always been the combination of strike, luster, and eye appeal (color). I have found dozens of coins with 2 of the three, I'm still searching for the coin that bats 1.000.

 

My 1950-D in MS66 is no match for the coin in this thread. I like yours as a 67 (at the very least) with 5FS. Mine has decent color, but has a mushy strike especially on the reverse.

 

That's a great description of my position and reaction Although, I don't like to see planchet roughness on a 66 either.

To be fair, the problem is not limited to Jeffersons. I used to collect Franklins and the same problem occurs there. Tomaska, in his guide to Franklins, calls it "high point pitting." The TPGs are slightly less forgiving of the issue on Franklins, but still accept it on a 66.

 

I was curious what these coins would look like right next to each other. I think bottom coin has marginally better surfaces and strike but I give the nod to the top coin for both luster and eye appeal.

What do you guys think before I do the reveal?

 

I agree with your assessment. Both are nice, but I prefer the BU over the toned one.

 

66 no full steps. I see 4 FS, not the required 5. A gorgeous coin though.

 

I’d expect a touch more luster of a 67, so I went 66FS, but the very upper end of 66 I’d say. Beautiful piece.

 

Beautiful coin, and very deserving of MS67 FS. I suspected it would be downgraded, though.

 

MS67 5FS. Very Nice Jefferson, both of them. The one I have in my NGC registry set (Gileshokie) is an MS67. There is a slight nick on the steps that keeps it from a 5FS designation. It also has rainbow rim toning on both sides which is why I got it. The picture I have for it doesn't do it justice. Need to take time to learn how to take better pictures. I do have a NGC MS65* 5FS that is a monster toned 50D.

Lehigh96 I agree that the 41D you have in your set is without a doubt the best Jefferson Nickel I have ever viewed (in person or by picture). Reading your insights on Jefferson Nickels is a joy. Thank you for posting your knowledge about this series.

 

65 FS, nice coin

 

Ok, does anyone wanna make the case for why I shouldn't crack this coin and send it to NGC?

 

I don’t see a downside to cracking and sending it to NGC.

 

Pros- Almost triples in guide price at 66. (would need the steps designation)
That would cover the fees.
If 67-FS...forget about it....jackpot.

Cons- May not upgrade at all.
Could get lost in the mail etc...

 

I think it is properly graded in the ANACS holder... but I think it would come back 66 5FS.

What price guide are you looking at? It is $55 in 65 5FS, it goes to $70 in 66 5FS. It doesn't make a big jump until 67 5FS, at $950.