Which 1956-D Jefferson Nickel do you prefer?

Shown below are two uncirculated 1956-D 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: 1956-D Jefferson Nickel: (Blazing Luster & Hammered Strike)




Coin #2: 1956-D Jefferson Nickel: (Rainbow Toning)




As always, comments welcome, and don't forget to vote!

 

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@kSigSteve, @Morgandude11 @ddddd @physics-fan3.14

 

@ldhair @messydesk @Skyman @expat

 

@Sunflower_Coins @eddiespin @CamaroDMD @Springford CC

 

@brokrken @Collecting Nut @Paddy54 @paddyman98

 

I had to go with number 2. Love the color over the luster.

 

I'll take door #2 based on liking the color.
I think the grades are within 1 point of each other with #1 being higher (66 and 65). The two longer scrapes on the cheek of #1 bother me a bit (but I'm guessing they are not severe enough to lower the grade below 66).

 

Coin No. 1 for me. As much as I like the look of toned pieces, there is something about the color that coin 1 has developed that I like more. I have a '64 proof that has a similar look

 

Me 2 , # 2 !

 

I think one is MS64 and #2 MS65

 

I can barely stand toned coins if we are being honest. I maybe only have 5 or so.

 

You describe the first coin as having a hammered strike, but it doesn't look that hammered to me. It might have great luster, but those are some giant gashes on the cheek.

Coin #2 doesn't seem to have those gashes, and has incredible toning. I know that rainbow toning like this is uncommon on nickel.

For these reasons, its an easy choice - #2 for me.

 

I like coin #2 personally. I think the eye appeal of the lovely rainbow toning tops the eye appeal of the sharply struck booming luster coin #1. Both are stunning, but for me, #2 is the winner.

I suspect both are MS66.

 

Regarding the strike, look at the hair detail and windows and doors of Monticello of coin #1 compared to coin #2. It really isn't close that coin #1 has a much better strike, a strike you don't often see on 1956-D Jefferson Nickels. But you are correct, you don't see this type of rainbow toning much either.

I haven't voted yet and have no idea which coin is winning, but for me, this is a very difficult decision. I love rainbow toning and eye appeal, but the luster on coin #1 is the best I have ever seen on a 56-D.

 

Well, I was left off this time, so won't vote.

 

I would agree that coin #1 has terrific luster, for sure. However, I love the toning on coin 2. So, while it is a tough decision, I would go with toning that I like every time. So, #2 wins.

 

Having said the first has great luster, I think I would need to see in hand. If as nice as you say it is, I would go with #1. Only thing 2 has going for it to me, (I understand some people just love color), is the lack of a mark behind the head. That is kind of a turnoff for me, but with enough luster I could overlook it.

 

I just cast my vote and the tally is a dead heat at 8s. That's how close these coins are.

 

I definitely won't argue that - #1 is clearly better struck than #2. I'm just not sure I'd call it "hammered."

This is where your specialized knowledge comes into play. While I wouldn't call it a good strike for a Jefferson, it absolutely may be a very good strike for a 56D. I'm just not familiar enough with them to know that. If that is truly the case, then your proclivities may sway your opinion in that direction.

 

Most of what I was gonna say has already been said. I will keep it simple. If coin #1 had minimal contact. It would be my choice.
I picked #2.