Pardon my drooling: PR-68 '38 Jeff ...

RGL · June 19, 2002 10:46PM

Whoa! What a beautiful and rare coin: 1938 PR-68 Jefferson! Only four in PR-68 and none higher. Beautiful scans of this coin. Not even our finest Jeff proof registry sets (Carl, Frank, BNE and even Honeycutt) have this one. The price is out of my league. Started at $1 and is over $2,000 on 10 bids in less than one day and has not hit the reserve yet. Any guesses where this one ends up?

GQ · June 19, 2002 11:05PM

I have been following it too. King Coin in the Jefferson World.

CarlWohlforth · June 19, 2002 11:17PM

Hey! He says the coin belongs in the finest registry set and he didn't even ask me first if I wanted it! BTW I purchased a PR 66 Cameo Liberty Nickel from this seller and recommend him highly.

Too bad my attitude, knowledge and budget have changed. Three years ago I would have bought this coin. These days I just can't pay what it takes to get the top coins. I could pay 2-4 times the next lower grade, but not more than that. I could never put together another top Jeff set if I started today.

My '38 PR 67 is pretty nice and has slight cameo contrast, it is nicer than several other '38s in 67 I've looked at. I'd rather spend the extra 2 grand it would cost to upgrade to a 68 on a PR 65 Red Matte Lincoln or a PR 66 Buffalo T1 or a special PR 63 Morgan. I'd rather spend $2,500 on a 1938 PR 67 Cameo than the PR 68. So don't worry about bidding against me!!

I think the 50s Jeffs in 68 DCAM might go for $3,000-$4000. I would expect this to be less. However it is already over 2 grand so my guess is $2,500. If anybody thinks the 50s DCAMs are worth much more than I mention please take a look at my proof Jeff set (from '38-'02 including varieties) and make me an offer for the entire collection.

CarlWohlforth · June 19, 2002 11:31PM

Here is a scan of my '38. Too bad the reverse isn't contrasted like the obverse. If I'm going to pay up for an early Jeff I want some cameo

RGL · June 19, 2002 11:43PM

Gorgeous coin, Carl. Mine is but 66, but I hope to upgrade if I find the right coin. I've seen a couple of 67s from 1938 that were barely grade (if that), so I passed and will keep searching.

BNE · June 20, 2002 12:53AM

Very, very pretty, Carl!

NIckelCollector · June 20, 2002 12:57AM

If my memory is correct, there were 2 1938 PF68 for a fairly long time. The other two were popped this year. With so many PF67s it is likely more will be graded. Recently, I was offered two 1938 PF68. Asking price on one was very high the other coin was the right price but the wrong coin. This coin is definitely high end and probably worthy of a premium.

Carl believes 1950’s PR68DCAMs are worth between $3000 - $4000, which I agree. Could this coin be worth that much? I also would buy a 1938 PF67CAM first, if available.

While I was recently outbid, I guess there are 9 days to decide a bidding strategy, if any.

prooflike · June 20, 2002 1:03AM

I like Jefferson's, but in my opinion, just buying the slab on that one. Doesn't do much for me.

GQ · June 20, 2002 1:37AM

Nice coin Carl. I agree that early Proof Jeffersons in Proof 66 and 67 are very nice coins....hard to beat...most quite bright with gold, blue or green hues to the fields. Proof 65's start to show dings and get cloudy. The jump from 65 to 66 is a huge difference (from what I have seen), and PCGS makes you work hard for a '67. That '68 is going to make some one very happy!

http://www.pcgs.com/new_set_registry/display_coins.chtml?regsetid=3466&alltime=no[L=EARLY PROOF JEFFERSONS....]

NIckelCollector · June 21, 2002 5:28AM

Another one for sale at David Lawrence

Jefferson Nickels (Proof)
1938 PCGS Proof 68 [3*****] 5,000.

RGL · June 21, 2002 5:38AM

Gulp ... so half the pop is on the market at once. Well, at least the bidders on the eBay coin know not to bid a cent over $5,000! I doubt that coin has a $5,000 reserve, but who knows ...

BNE · June 21, 2002 5:50AM

Feast or famine. There's a 7% discount on David Lawrence's site for the one he has (no picture). This will be fun to watch develop.

RGL · June 21, 2002 6:06AM

Methinks NickelCollector has aims on one of those 68 38s ... Good luck

GQ · June 21, 2002 7:28AM

Yes.....but I see the other one in the BNE "brilliant" set. I love spending other people's money!!!

GQ · June 21, 2002 7:37AM

.......P.S........has anyone noticed that Frank is one point away from tying Carl???? I really really love spending other people's money!!!

BNE · June 21, 2002 8:22AM

And guys, don't look now, but unless I am mistaken, that David Lawrence '38 is GONE!!

Sold? Pulled pending a more auspicious sale period? Inquiring minds need to know!

RGL · June 21, 2002 8:23AM

Well, out of deference to their already great sets, I will waive my usual finder's fee should Frank or BNE, or even Carl with a change of heart, win the eBay coin... I just can't imagine a PR68 '38. I have a PR67 '41 I love, but can't imagine an early Jeff even better and with that desirable first-year of issue aura about it as well...

RGL · June 21, 2002 8:25AM

BNE bought it and is bluffing ... Carl couldn't resist ... Frank did not want to wait out eBay ... the ever elusive and mysterious Honeycutt gave it little thought ... something is afoot in registry Jeff proof land. We await further developments.

BNE · June 21, 2002 8:33AM

Man, we're starting to have more fun that the Merc folks!

(He said, ducking.)

RGL · June 21, 2002 8:38AM

A clever ploy of trying to divert attention, BNE, when you, sir, are one of the main suspects...

NIckelCollector · June 21, 2002 8:53AM

The David Lawrence coin appears sold. I wasn't the buyer.

pontiacinf · June 21, 2002 8:56AM

oh well...i like it but it wasnt in my range...AS IF

RGL · June 21, 2002 12:46PM

In tonight's episode of "As the Nickel Turns," the plot thickens in the hunt for our rare prey. BNE did not buy the coin ... Frank either ... It's close at the top, so their denials are discounted to only face value. But, wait ... neither Carl nor Mr. Honeycutt have been heard from, their silence -- except for Mr. H. -- ever suspicious and speaking volumes. What's at work here? What evil numismatic plotting awaits? Did Mr. DL decide to await the outcome of another auction to price his coin? Could it be the first-ever 69 and on its way to the left coast to sadly emerge as a 67? Or, more sinister, could it be a mere body-bagged commoner emerging from the dust of PR-65s to grab the dream coin of a lifetime? Perhaps a sleeper waiting to post the perfect, none-better set? The suspense grows ... Join us tomorrow, same Proof Jeff channel, same DCAM time, as we continue to pursue the infernal and confouding question of .... WHOBOUGHTIT? Adieu.

wondercoin · June 21, 2002 12:57PM

OK - I CONFESS - I BOUGHT THE COIN (well, at least subject to my review, as they told me the coin was sensational)!!

And, with Bill bidding $2500 in the auction I feel better about the purchase already!!

Wondercoin

RGL · June 21, 2002 1:12PM

Proud and pleased prodigious and pointful posts poked, prodded and produced proof of the purveyor of the proof, we ponder your prideful pontification, Wonder.

GQ · June 21, 2002 1:42PM

Wondercoin......That's where the money from the '54 S/D I just bought is going......I feel used!

wondercoin · June 21, 2002 2:17PM

GQ: I would need to sell several rolls of 54s/d nickels to pay for this one coin!!

The s/d is very strong though and is a real neat brilliant, lusterous coin. If anyone else wants a near gem PCGS-MS64 1954s/d nickel for $55 delivered, just PM me. Wondercoin.

leothelyon · June 21, 2002 10:47PM

I have seen all the hype about the PF 68 1938 but I haven't heard anything about the one and only 1940
PCGS PF65 Cameo that's up on ebay. Of course, if any top registry contestant buys it, it would drop his PF67 a notch because the coin only adds up to 66, given the grade MS65 plus 1 point for the cameo. Is there something wrong with this coin in terms of quality? Does it have carbon spots? Nick on cheek?
Personally, I would think this coin would be a must and a one of a kind for a top collection inspite of the point loss. Unless there is something truely wrong with this coin. Also what do you believe it's worth?

Leo

RGL · June 21, 2002 11:41PM

Speaking of expensive Jeffs: 1950 NGC PR-68* Cameo

RGL · June 21, 2002 11:43PM

Darn it, screwed up that link ... try this one: Link

CarlWohlforth · June 22, 2002 12:16AM

Nice purchase Wondercoin. I guess that will remain a scarce and desirable coin.

It is clear that Frank will pass me up in the one of 4 Jefferson catagories where he isn't already 1'st. Perhaps as soon as one of these PR 68s is in his hands

With his relentless focus on Jeffersons it is inevitable. Personally I think he already has the finest collection of Jeffersons in the world. I know Mr Mint had a great all time set, but that set didn't have the varieties Frank has. My hat is off to you, Frank.

I am no longer focusing on proof Jeffersons. I am sending in my Jeff set for pedigree next week. My focus is now on my type set where I have no hope of ever completing a top set. But type is where my heart is now.

Besides it would be hard for me to "upgrade" my '38 or my '40. I'll attach scans of my '40 (all my Jeffs are here waiting to go to PCGS, so I am scanning some). It would be easier if these PR 68s were dated 1939, that and my '42s could stand upgrading. My '41 is developing some wild color so remains interesting to me.

As to the '40 in 65 Cam I'll pass at that price. As you can see my '40 already has decent cameo contrast, though it didn't get the designation when I sent it in for review. This '40 in 65 Cam could be nice, I am a sucker for cameo contrast. The color looks funny in the scan and there is no close up of the obverse. It might not be very much more frosted than mine. That '50 in NGC 68* looks pretty nice as well, though again I'm happy with mine.

So there you have it, I just can't convince myself to spend on Jeffs --- especially when I know there is a Type 1 Buffalo in PR 66 somewhere out there just waiting for me

RGL · June 22, 2002 1:48AM

Carl, you sound almost apologetic. I know I am new around here, but I admire what you have done with the proof Jeff set. Top shelf, all the way. And, I very much appreciate the insights you have shared. All our interests change from time to time, or we would get stale. I am glad to see you are getting the set pedigreed. Any of us, one day, would be proud to have a coin with an insert labeled "The Wohlforth Family Collection." All the best with the type ...

Bear · June 22, 2002 9:13AM

JGL _ Please refrain from drooling, as it will require rubbers to keep our shoes dry walking around the Forum. Thank you so much Bear.

NIckelCollector · June 23, 2002 2:37AM

Carl:

You have a great set!!

I would also be proud to have your pedigree coins in my set, especially the 1954, 1956, 1959 and 1961!!

Hint hint

Frank

CarlWohlforth · June 23, 2002 5:01AM

Thanks gang. I do feel kind of sad. The act of sending in this set for pedigree and admitting I don't want to update it means it is finished. I've never finished a set before. But I will always look at old proof sets trying to discover superb Cameo Jeffersons! Who knows maybe I'll get lucky and actually upgrade the set someday. I will probably buy a few double dies if I run across them..

Believe me Frank you will be the first to know if I sell my set! I see you already found one of those PR 68 DCAMs and have two other 50s DCAM dates I don't! If I let you have the dates you mention your set would be totally invincible.

Pardon my drooling: PR-68 '38 Jeff ...

Comments

The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

My Jefferson Nickel Collection