Shown below are two uncirculated 1955 Jefferson Nickels. Please vote in the attached poll indicating which coin your prefer and if you feel like opining on the grade of each nickel, do so in your reply to the thread. Coin #1: 1955 Jefferson Nickel (Lightly toned) Coin #2: 1955 Jefferson Nickel (Deeply Toned with rainbow peripheries) As always, comments welcome!
The lightly toned one IMO. More detail, visually appealing to me. The other, mushy lettering and lack of details puts me off.
I went with coin 2 ....color is better (although it might be getting a little too dark)...coin 1 appears to be the higher grade
Coin 1 is a bit of a head scratcher. A lot more marks on the coat and collar ...are they rough planchet as the jaw? But the thumbprint on the field and date kills it for me. Therefore #2. However I think they both grade at MS65. No FS.
I like number 2 better. The overall strike seems a bit weaker but I think the steps look better. It also has the toning and eye appeal going for it. I think they are both 65s but I prefer 2. The spots on Jefferson’s coat on the obverse of 1 almost look like PVC or corrosion and was a turn off for me. It also depends on the collection and which one matches better. I am sure both look great in hand or you wouldn’t own either.
The grade just confirms my decision of #2. As a 66 it has to have great luster so I am sure this is a nice looking coin in hand.