While looking through a nickel roll I found a 1979 S nickel. It says 'FS' under the head. Does the 'FS' mean 'fine silver'?(.999) Thank you. Peter
Peter: Welcome to the forum. And FS stands for the designer: Felix Schlag. And, no, there is no silver in the coin.
The reason it appears different than other nickels is that it's a proof. These coins are struck twice under higher pressure so that the relief is raised up high above the fields of the coin. Since the dies and metal they are stamped on are both polished the coin is much shinier than most other nickels. These coins are assembled in sets and sold to the public by the mint. Older sets are frequently dismantled because the coins in total exceed the value of the entire set. If some coins aren't needed or have tiny flaws they might be spent.
