Some Jefferson TV's that just posted.
keets
Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
I retired my Jefferson Nickel Registry Set a number of years ago, it seemed like the "competition" had gotten to be about who could have the highest number and best overall rank. That was a change from when I started around 2002 when it seemed to be more about interaction and just finding nice coins. What wore on me was the fact that from the mid-1970's to the current date the Registry is obsessed with PR70's. I've ranted about this before, how a comparable dollar amount could be spent on PR70's while ignoring some of the better Deep Cameo coins from the 1950's..........................and actually having a higher ranked set.
But, I digress. I retired and sold some coins but kept most of what I thought were the better dates. This latest group went in to PCGS during the re-holder special so I could have them TrueViewed, and Phil A. did his usual fine job. Enjoy and please comment if you're so inclined. Also, if you own some of these difficult DCAM 1950's Jeffersons, please post some pictures. They're a joy to see.
Al H.
Comments
Very nice!
Collector, occasional seller
Nice photos!
Nice coin
Keets.
Gorgeous coins you have. Thanks for posting photos of same.
During my years chasing Cameo proof nickels I have found and acquired raw examples of each of the dates you posted except 1940. Each coin I acquired looks very much like your coins. My toned 1950 has the same degree of frost on the devices and fields that are not as deep as the fields on your coin.
I do have a 1941 proof nickel that has light blue toning sitting on top of mirrored fields and what appears to be moderately frosted devices. It is very eye appealing.
I have the same view as you do about proof nickels from the mid 1970's forward. The quality of these coins is very high as production methods progressed to the point where all coins produced are Cameos (what is the latest year that one can find a brilliant proof nickel?). They are all the same, except for possible toning and except for the assigned grades given by a TPG.
I much prefer looking for and acquiring Cameo/DCAM pre 1973 proof nickels. These Cameos are the exception rather than the rule (Brilliant).
Kevin, thanks for the kind words. we've shared the search journey together with some others over the past 15-20 years and arrived at the same conclusion: pre-1970 Jefferson Nickels, and especially the 1950's dates, are prohibitively scarce to the point of rare. another thing that many collectors and even dealers don't understand is the difference between Silver Frost and Copper/Nickel Frost. I believe that is an important aspect which gets a little distorted in the grading of these coins.
all that aside, I think it's safe to say that the total number of Deep Cameo Jefferson Nickels struck for most of the years from 1950-1959 is under 100 for each year, in the early years under 50. the numbers increase from 1960 forward but are still not very large when viewed through the lens of how many coins were struck. also, as you know from my pop threads of all the 1950 Proofs among all denominations, the Jefferson Nickel numbers have remained low. that is surprising when you consider that for the past 20-30 years the scarcity has been known, the value has risen and searching has grown. still, not many coins have been found.
Keets.
Every time I have found a raw 1950s Cameo proof nickel I am on cloud nine for the next day or so. It happens so infrequently.
Each new pickup is evaluated and compared with others of the same date. When a new pickup is an upgrade to my current best my cloud nine soars to a higher altitude. Upgrades are always great.
Al,
Great coins! We have also shared a PM or two over the years on the early proof Jeffersons. Here are my '50's dcam Jeffersons - I'll add the SMS pieces too as the other 1960's dcams are not too tough. I have all the other dates in cam.
SMS
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
Great group, Keets. I especially like the 54’ dcam
MY GOLD TYPE SET https://pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/gold-type-set-12-piece-circulation-strikes-1839-1933/publishedset/321940
I have to admit gentlemen those coins are a work of art. Sorry they aren’t appreciated but as you know the registry is a powerful drug. #’s trumps beauty but since I don’t play that game I truly appreciate an eye for beautiful coins.
"I spent 50% of my money on alcohol, women, and gambling. The other half I wasted.
1940 is amazing
Great group of Jefferson proofs! I too love the 40 and the 54 might be your best in my eyes.
Nice. Much rather have a cameo from the 40s than a PR70 from the 70s or later.
@keets .... Wow... Al, those are beautiful Jefferson nickels. I have never collected these as a set, but now I am thinking of seeking out a couple of them such as you have shown above. Really, really nice coins. Cheers, RickO
Me Like................Me Like A Lot..............Spectacular
Steve