After spending a while on this site deciding what I wanted to gear my collection towards, I decided to go for pre-1960 nickels and specifically wartime Jefferson nickels in at least MS-65. Did a little research and won an auction on ebay, I'm not sure if this is in-line with the value though. Provided they appear as pictured I am happy with the purchase, just wanted some opinions as to whether I should have waited for a better price..... Auction link - http://cgi.ebay.com/1945-S-MS-66-1950-D-MS-65-1979-S-Proof-68-/320526836758?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item4aa0e36416
You didn't do too badly at all. You're buying solid-quality coins from recognized and respected TPGs. That's a good start in and of itself. Good luck with your collection!
I think ya did ok on it. not really into slabs but, I like the 50D and the 45S.. The new stuff.. well its new...
First, welcome to the forum, Second, it is nice to see another collector getting into Jefferson Nickels. You did well on the price (sort of). Both the 1945-S (MS66) and 1950-D (MS65) are $25 coins according to Numismedia Wholesale and they routinely bring between $15-$25 at auction. The proof coin was like a bonus. That is the good news. The bad news is that you can't tell anything from those E-Bay photos the seller provided. Unless you are planning to build a registry set of top pop Jeffs, you are going to find that most date/mm are very common and affordable. This means that you should never compromise on any aspect of the grading quality when collecting these coins. Finding well struck, lustrous, properly graded Jefferson Nickels will make your collecting experience much more rewarding. My fear is that you will get these coins and like them very much until you see a better 1945-S or 1950-D. And I promise you that if you hand around here, you will. To illustrate my point, take a look at the three 1950-D's in my collection The first one has color but is not really that attractive. In the end an MS66 will not make it into my registry collection. The second coin may have the best surfaces and strike of the three but it has a very mundane eye appeal and more than it's fair share of marks for the grade. The last coin has great eye appeal and luster but is technically overgraded and despite pretty decent steps, the strike is abysmal. At this point I have made three mistakes with 1950-D because I did not demand quality in every aspect of grading like I should have. As a result, my search for a 1950-D continues. Your original question was should you have waited for a better price. The answer is no, but you probably should have waited for a better coin. If you ever need any advice about the Jefferson Nickel series, I am a Jefferson Nickel junkie and would by happy to help. Again, welcome to the forum. Paul
I would completely agree with Lehigh96 for the experts opinion, but I would also say I believe you did real good.
To start, I think you did well for a beginner collecting Jefferson nickels, keying in on the key coins and War Era silver issues. 3 graded coins for $36 + $5 s&h is not a bad start. The 1979-S in this small lot would be considered a freebee, most of those removed from the government holders would at least grade PR-68 Dcam. The 50-D is a semi-key coin and looks solid for the assigned grade of MS-65, the 45-S is the star of this lot, that’s a nice looking coin. It might be a good idea to stick with one grading company to make a set is a set, in lots like this, swap out the odd balls for like holders, I think in the end you will be pleased. Note: When you get the urge to splurge, start looking for FS (Full Step) designated nickels. Good Luck and Happy Collecting
