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Planning to start slabbed Jefferson Nickel collection. Need advice.

I'm starting off with MS and then proofs. All dates. PCGS registry. What grades should I look for pre-1970, SMS, wartime silver, and moderns? When should I look for FS and at what grade? I'm aware of FS rareties in the 1960s that are unrealistic to obtain. What other key dates besides 1938 D&S, 1939 D, and 1950 P&S exist? I apologize for stringing these questions together as they come to mind. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

-mark

Comments

  • I thought you were gonna be going to rosies?
    Scott Hopkins
    -YN Currently Collecting & Researching Colonial World Coins, Especially Spanish Coins, With a Great Interest in WWII Militaria.

    My Ebay!
  • prooflikeprooflike Posts: 3,879 ✭✭
    If you look at the PCGS proce guide, you can get a basic idea of what is readily available and what are the harder dates just by the pricing differences.

    image
  • GoYankeesGoYankees Posts: 1,025


    << <i>I thought you were gonna be going to rosies? >>



    My goal is to collect all US denominations. Right now I'm focusing on Roosies and Jeffs. I just started my roosies PCGS registry entitled "Bronx Bombers Collection". Please take a look. I'll probably be collecting until I'll be with the Lord.

    -mark
  • HootHoot Posts: 867
    Have a look at the NGC Jefferson nickels 1938-64 and read through some of the write-ups.

    Also, have a look at Part One and Part Two of this article for some additional information.

    There's lots to discover!

    Hoot
    From this hour I ordain myself loos'd of limits and imaginary lines. - Whitman
  • GoYankeesGoYankees Posts: 1,025


    << <i>If you look at the PCGS proce guide, you can get a basic idea of what is readily available and what are the harder dates just by the pricing differences. >>



    Good idea. Thanks!


  • << <i>

    << <i>I thought you were gonna be going to rosies? >>



    My goal is to collect all US denominations. Right now I'm focusing on Roosies and Jeffs. I just started my roosies PCGS registry entitled "Bronx Bombers Collection". Please take a look. I'll probably be collecting until I'll be with the Lord.

    -mark >>



    So what exactally are you gonna do just buy whatever you can get? Do you have any plans on when to get stuff, or are you working one at a time?
    Scott Hopkins
    -YN Currently Collecting & Researching Colonial World Coins, Especially Spanish Coins, With a Great Interest in WWII Militaria.

    My Ebay!
  • haletjhaletj Posts: 2,192
    I've been trying to collect a high grade non-FS set. I don't have much advice about FS coins, but the tough dates in gem are the P mints 1946-1955 plus 1958 and the D mints 1960 to 1963. These are what I have trouble finding. 1967,69-d,70-d have also given me trouble, and the coins from the 90's are surprisingly difficult.
  • GoYankeesGoYankees Posts: 1,025


    << <i>Have a look at the NGC Jefferson nickels 1938-64 and read through some of the write-ups.

    Also, have a look at Part One and Part Two of this article for some additional information.

    There's lots to discover!

    Hoot >>



    Thanks Hoot, very good links.

    For the record, I like NGC and ANACS but I decided to have a membership at PCGS. When first pursuing slabbed coins, I found that the types/grades of coins I was looking for, on eBay, just so happened to be with PCGS. Right now, I can't afford membership at two TPGs. If ever I wanted to slab a problem coin, I send it to ANACS since they don't require membership. I have a great deal of respect for NGC and who knows, I could see myself using their services sometime in the near future.

    Thanks again,

    -mark
  • rayovacrayovac Posts: 192 ✭✭
    GoYankees,

    My rule of thumb is to purchase MS65FS and above. The only dates I would consider at MS64FS would be 49P, 52P, 53PS, 54PDS, 55D, 56D, 62D, 63D, 64D, 68S, 70DS, and 81P. 60D, 61D, 68D, 69DS should be obtained in mint state (60 or better) in FS. Make sure that you obtain clean step coins (no ticks, nicks, abrasions, or merges). While that is highly problematic for some dates try to keep it in mind. It will help you when you sell your FS nickels.

    Ray Overby
    CS 65-Present FS Jefferson nickel set at myurl
    RayOverby
  • GoYankeesGoYankees Posts: 1,025


    << <i>GoYankees,

    My rule of thumb is to purchase MS65FS and above. The only dates I would consider at MS64FS would be 49P, 52P, 53PS, 54PDS, 55D, 56D, 62D, 63D, 64D, 68S, 70DS, and 81P. 60D, 61D, 68D, 69DS should be obtained in mint state (60 or better) in FS. Make sure that you obtain clean step coins (no ticks, nicks, abrasions, or merges). While that is highly problematic for some dates try to keep it in mind. It will help you when you sell your FS nickels.

    Ray Overby >>



    Thanks, Ray. The only time I'll sell a coin is if I'm upgrading or in financial distress. image
  • Take a look at the "Elevator" set in the Jefferson with varieties registry.

    He recently added the last coin to complete his set. This is a really nice,
    non-FS collection that would save some $$$'s putting it together.

    The varieties are what makes Jefferson nickels so interesting for me!
  • Plan to stick with PCGS coins. The PCGS pop report is a better barometer, though, than their price guide for FS nickels. For a good, somewhat reliable record of real prices, check Teletrade's past auction results for FS nickels in all dates and grades (PCGS coins only.) That will give you a more realistic idea of prices, as most of PCGS's FS prices are way too low (especially for coins dated 1985-95 in 66FS or better) and a couple of others are way too high! Good luck with your set.
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,748 ✭✭✭✭✭
    On all these it is wise to pick and choose a little. Look for coins which are sharply
    struck. While full step nickels do tend this way, there can still be a lot of difference
    between coins. Look for the lettering around the periphery to be fully struck up and
    rounded. This is especially important on the moderns because there is even greater
    variability from coin to coin.

    This is a tough set and you'll spend some time working on it.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.

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