... you never see them. There's plenty of G-4, AG-3 (and even worse!) coins on the market these days, so I know they must have been in circulation up until the point that wear stopped. However, these days, you never see coins with that degree of wear. I'm tempted to say it's because of design and material changes (no dimes or quarters have had more than 40 years to wear, not to mention the fact that silver's a softer metal that probably wore faster), but I'd still expect to see some Jefferson nickels with extreme wear, since that's a series that has been in production for decades without major change that might induce hoarding. So, why don't we see more heavily worn coins in circulation today? Mostly just curious.
I think it is due to a couple of things. First modern coins have a pretty high nickel content. Nickel is MUCH harder than silver, so the modern coins are much more durable than the old ones were. Also, modern coins have lower relief than the older coins so the designs are better protected by their rims from circulation wear and tear than older coins were. I think those 2 things account for the 1965 and newer coins and the hardness of nickel mostly accounts for the durablity of the Jeffersons. I am just "thinking out loud" here, so I may be way off base, but it makes sense to me.
Agree with The Cave Troll... Coins before 1965 were made with 90% silver and hence they were softer and less durable than your clad coins today. These silver coins are "prettier" than today's clad coins, but between the savings on the silver content to long term wear are two main reasons why the mint went to clad coins in the mid-60's. Every now and then, I do see quarters from the late 60's and early 70's that would grade out as only "Good". They have served well over the years in numerous transactions and will serve for years to come. The lower relief and boring design of Jefferson nickels (especially the reverse) also helps keep the coins looking pretty much the same. Sure they will introduce the initial reverse design of 1938 back in 2006, but most average people will not see any differances.
Coins are also rubbed much less today. They don't spend the day banging around in people's pockets, or sliding across the counter for a purchase. They sit in jars at homes and in trays at work for the soda machine. Harder coins, with less rubbing, means longer life and better condition.
Good observation KLJ...what can you buy with loose change today anyway? My Dad and grandfather used to talk about the good 'ole days when you could buy a beer for a nickel. I can imagine the number of Buffalo nickels sliding down the bar for draft beer. ...ahhhh...a simplier time!
definitely think inflation has a lot to do with it. just not as much activity - like was already mentioned. They spend time in jars and get turned in occasionally in bunk for bills - which don't see as much activity as they once did, either, due to direct debit banking and electronic payment.
