“Jefferson Nickels are the perfect coins to collect." Do you agree?

Longacre · February 19, 2007 1:58AM

I was reading the QDB Nickel book and the introduction had a very interesting comment by Bill Fivaz. Here is the exact quote:

“Felix Schlag’s Jefferson nickel, first minted in 1938, is a fascinating series for many reasons. There are no “stoppers” (dates which are extraordinarily expensive), making it a very affordable set, even in mint state. It is, in my opinion, the perfect set for young numismatists, beginning collectors, or even advanced variety enthusiasts to collect. For the collector concerned with the strike factor in the grading equation, the Jefferson nickel is a classic coin ... [f]ew dates with six complete steps are known.”

I found this comment very interesting. I never really paid attention to Jeff nickels, but this quote raises some interesting points. The Jefferson nickel does seem to be the "perfect" series for all collectors-- inexpensive, lots of varieties, strike variations, availability, somewhat popular but not registry-set crazy popular, etc. Do you agree that this is the perfect set for all types of collectors? If not, which other series has the same characteristics?

flaminio · February 19, 2007 2:03AM

Jeffersons are good sets for beginners, children, and casual collectors. Indeed, many of the coins all the way back to 1938 can be pulled from circulation. There's no other series that can claim that. Plus, there's an opportunity for real profit as Gresham's Law takes over.

<< If not, which other series has the same characteristics? >>

Roosevelt dimes, perhaps.

LALASD4 · February 19, 2007 2:07AM

I need to think about this.

Maybe?

dbldie55 · February 19, 2007 2:08AM

Good luck finding the '46-'64 silver dimes in circulation. They are out there, but it will take years to find a complete set.

The Jefferson's are there. I found all but the 1939-D in circulation. I would bet if I had continued to look I would have found one of those as well.

mirabela · February 19, 2007 2:11AM

I enjoy my set in 64-66 more than any other collecting project I have taken on. They are a lot of fun.

mgoodm3 · February 19, 2007 2:12AM

Certainly a good cheap set that can still be collected out of circulation, going back almost 70 years.

bigtime36 · February 19, 2007 2:15AM

on the subject of jeffersons, I have a question for you all. I am young and really just starting with the collecting. I have some WWII nickels that look to have a bit of toneing on the edges, on the back of the nickels is some hard glue, seems they were once glued to something. Will and acetone bath hurt them ie the toneing if it is and the coin all together? Any thoughts or recomandations are welcome.

Thanks,
Jim

Russ · February 19, 2007 2:18AM

Yes, I agree that Jeffersons are the perfect coins to collect. I think that everybody, particularly guys like Marty and Don, as well as a few others around here, should start chasing them exclusively.

Russ, NCNE

Jcarney · February 19, 2007 2:18AM

<< Do you agree that this is the perfect set for all types of collectors? If not, which other series has the same characteristics? >>

Well, I do agree that this is a set that is great for all types of collectors, but I think the Franklin Half series has all these attributes also.

Jcarney · February 19, 2007 2:20AM

<< Good luck finding the '46-'64 silver dimes in circulation. >>

Where is it mentioned that the set should be assembled from circulation? (Although the Jeff set probably IS the only set which could conceivably be put together that way)

cladking · February 19, 2007 2:33AM

There's no set that can ever be perfect for everyone.

Jeffersons would be too cheap or hard to find for someone who wants to
collect coins in a nice matching VG. They'd be virtually impossible for some-
one who wants a set of all perfect strikes. PL's are probably non-existent
for many dates. While the set has a great number of really nice varieties,
there are relatively few very scarce or very desirable varieties.

It's a great set and ideal for, perhaps, as many individuals as almost any ot-
hers. One of its greatest strenghts is the availability of very desirable coins
at very low prices. A set of nice very attractive coins can be put together for
less than a couple hundred dollars and many of these coins are quite tough
in nice MS-64 condition. This allows beginners and kids to get desirable coins
on a tiny budget. Ironically a lot of the toughest coins in nice condition in this
set are among the cheapest.

It's also possible to make this set into a huge challenge and very expensive
by concentrating on the highest grades. I attempted this before the advent
of grading services and the internet and soon gave up in utter frustration. A
few of the easy coins could be found but where do you find large numbers of
a coin like the '46-S to search for gems? If you have to purchase the rolls to
check them then you can spend a year's budget just looking for one date and
finding nothing.

The set is also underappreciated in nice XF/ AU. While these may never be-
come valuable because of the availability of uncs, they still can be tough to find.

Gemineye · February 19, 2007 2:52AM

For young collectors on a budget the Jefferson Nickel opens the door into the world of collecting coins.An inexpesive Whitman album and a roll of coins ..and your off to a good start.A young person will find it very east getting rid of those home rolled nickels and then going to the local bank for a fresh roll.....All you gotta do is smile.........

AJ2525 · February 19, 2007 2:59AM

I know I'm certainly enjoying trying to complete a set of Jeffs as well as upgrade the coins I do have.

I have gone through roughly 25,000 Jeffs and found most of the different dates. I haven't found 39-D, 39-S, 42-S, 50-D or 51-S in circulation.

It seems to be a rule that 1% of the coins I look through are 1962 and before.

I'm a casual collector and enjoying this series.

Plus it has some ignored coins that are hard to find in uncirculated. Prime example is the 1982-P. I bought mine for a quarter in 1990. I realize since it is a recent date there may be rolls of them hiding somewhere, but I haven't seen any. The very few I have seen for sale aren't very nice examples either. Too bad mine isn't full steps.

I really don't want others to collect too many as that might drive prices up. The most expensive one I've bought so far was $30. I need to buy the varieties before their prices go up.

291fifth · February 19, 2007 3:27AM

The golden age of collecting Jeffersons was the early 1960's. They are a boring set I would never bother with again.

BulletBiter · February 19, 2007 3:44AM

I’ve been working and upgrading a couple of different sets for several years. Keeps me busy when I don’t have the money or resources to work on my core collection and a great way to get the kids involved. I regularly stop at the bank and buy boxes of rolls to go through. I have found every single date/MM except the 50-D. I would also argue that it is anything but boring and unexciting. Considering that finding a coin before 1950 has been in circulation for nearly 50 years I think is pretty interesting. Or to find a 38 or 39 and you have no problems reading the date.

Oh well, It’s cheap and entertaining for myself.

Shamika · February 19, 2007 4:05AM

Definitely a great series to collect. But I wouldn't exactly say it's the "perfect" series to collect.

Cladiator · February 19, 2007 4:06AM

They're too big.

stockwiz · February 19, 2007 4:08AM

<< The golden age of collecting Jeffersons was the early 1960's. They are a boring set I would never bother with again. >>

rhedden · February 19, 2007 4:11AM

I found all but the 1939-D in circulation. I would bet if I had continued to look I would have found one of those as well.

I picked a nice XF 1939-D out of a bank roll in 1992, to my surprise. I never found the 1942-S, 1943-S, 1945-S, 1946-S, 1948-S, 1949-S, 1950-P, 1950-D, or 1951-S, though. In Pennsylvania, the S-mints are seldom seen in circulation. The 1950-P is a puzzler, since they shouldn't be that hard to find, but I never found one in years of looking.

compromonedas · February 19, 2007 4:19AM

<< I was reading the QDB Nickel book and the introduction had a very interesting comment by Bill Fivaz. Here is the exact quote:

“Felix Schlag’s Jefferson nickel, first minted in 1938, is a fascinating series for many reasons. There are no “stoppers” (dates which are extraordinarily expensive), making it a very affordable set, even in mint state. It is, in my opinion, the perfect set for young numismatists, beginning collectors, or even advanced variety enthusiasts to collect. For the collector concerned with the strike factor in the grading equation, the Jefferson nickel is a classic coin ... [f]ew dates with six complete steps are known.”

I found this comment very interesting. I never really paid attention to Jeff nickels, but this quote raises some interesting points. The Jefferson nickel does seem to be the "perfect" series for all collectors-- inexpensive, lots of varieties, strike variations, availability, somewhat popular but not registry-set crazy popular, etc. Do you agree that this is the perfect set for all types of collectors? If not, which other series has the same characteristics? >>

Agree, however there are several stoppers specially for high grade DCAM

marz · February 19, 2007 4:20AM

I am looking for 2 dates to complete my set if anyone can help!

I need two war nickels~

42-s in a pcgs -ms-67 holder and a 45-s in a pcgs ms 67 holder if anyone can help!

thanks

compromonedas · February 19, 2007 4:23AM

<< I am looking for 2 dates to complete my set if anyone can help!

I need two war nickels~

42-s in a pcgs -ms-67 holder and a 45-s in a pcgs ms 67 holder if anyone can help!

thanks

>>

I also need few coins to finish my collection:
1965 sms 67DCAM
1966 sms 67DCAM
1967 sms 68 DCAM
Thanks

Tyrock · February 19, 2007 4:32AM

I agree too. I have a complete MS set which I continue each year by breaking up mint sets and proof sets for the coins I need. The only problem I have is deciding on how well the new designs fit in with the existing coins. So far I've kept it all together as one set.

Myqqy · February 19, 2007 4:33AM

I thought this thread would be a good place to show a couple of pics of a jeff I'm waiting to arrive right now...

Rodius · February 19, 2007 4:33AM

I agree with the thread heading. Affordable, even in the higher grades. I did think since the originals are obsolete they would jump up a bit in price. I was checking the prices and lots of red arrows pointing downward.

Maybe one day when they are gone.

keets · February 19, 2007 4:35AM

“Jefferson Nickels are the perfect coins to collect." Do you agree?-------????????-------Here is the exact quote:

“Felix Schlag’s Jefferson nickel, first minted in 1938, is a fascinating series for many reasons. There are no “stoppers” (dates which are extraordinarily expensive), making it a very affordable set, even in mint state. It is, in my opinion, the perfect set for young numismatists, beginning collectors, or even advanced variety enthusiasts to collect. For the collector concerned with the strike factor in the grading equation, the Jefferson nickel is a classic coin ... [f]ew dates with six complete steps are known.”

this seems to be the main focal point that Mr. Fivaz wanted to draw attention to: It is, in my opinion, the perfect set for young numismatists, beginning collectors, or even advanced variety enthusiasts to collect. understanding this should go a long way to dismissing most of the negative replies. he isn't suggesting this series will appeal to a seasoned collector, an advanced collector, a collector looking for long-term advances or anything else. i infer his meaning to be that the coins themselves are readily available for a low price and can still be found in circulation, i got a 1942 in change just yesterday.

i don't really think he said that Jefferson Nickels are the perfect coin to collect but i'd be inclined to argue the point.

ziggy29 · February 19, 2007 4:37AM

<< The golden age of collecting Jeffersons was the early 1960's. >>

Back when '50-Ds were selling for $30...

compromonedas · February 19, 2007 4:39AM

<< I thought this thread would be a good place to show a couple of pics of a jeff I'm waiting to arrive right now...

>>

Nice!!!

FullStrike · February 19, 2007 4:43AM

For anyone just starting with coin collecting I'd have to suggest the Presidential Dollar series. What better way to get acquainted with our presidents? What better way to get em all at face value and in really great condition?

Those Jeffersons are so ugly and so boring. They all look alike.

Rodius · February 19, 2007 4:51AM

<< 

<< I thought this thread would be a good place to show a couple of pics of a jeff I'm waiting to arrive right now...

>>

Nice!!!

>>

Very nice 1971 no S. Is it 68Cam?

I have had a couple of those and really liked them alot.

ChuckC · February 19, 2007 5:00AM

I am working on a BU set myself. It has been very fun (and affordable) to collect.

Zoins · February 19, 2007 5:02AM

<< It is, in my opinion, the perfect set for young numismatists, beginning collectors, or even advanced variety enthusiasts to collect. >>

I think it would be better to say something like "the Jefferson nickel series has characteristics that make it attractive for YNs....". The problem I have with "perfect coins" is that some people may simply not like the Jefferson nickel design (enough to collect the series) and this statement may convince YNs they should collect a design they find unappealing.

cladking · February 19, 2007 5:10AM

<< The golden age of collecting Jeffersons was the early 1960's. They are a boring set I would never bother with again. >>

These aren't any easier to put together than they were in the '60's. There
were just a lot more people trying then. Some of the coins made since the '60's
are really tough to find in nice shape.

Soon enough these are going to be gone from circulation entirely since they
have more than 5c worth of cu/ ni (or cu/ ag) in them.

They seem exciting to me but that's largely because you can find rare coins
for next to nothing. You can't complete a set of these rarities for next to noth-
ing any more now than you could back in the mid-'70's when I tried it but it's
fun trying.

You sure aren't going to find many rare 19th century coins for next to nothing
whether you're talking absolute rarity or condition rarity. Nor can you still as-
semble them from circulation.

mirabela · February 19, 2007 5:20AM

<< Ironically a lot of the toughest coins in nice condition in this
set are among the cheapest >>

Very true.

If you are seeking a certain well-coordinated "look" in your set, it can turn into a big challenge. A coin like the 1946(P) is a good example. It is, in theory, an easy coin -- but try finding one you like. I finally did (thanks, seanq) but it took no small amount of looking.

It's also a great series to learn the difference between simply filling to hole and having worthwhile coins. You can fill almost every hole out of circulation, at least in theory, although these days that could prove very difficult. Getting attractive examples of every coin, though -- whether in XF or in Gem -- is a whole different enchilada. It isn't money that makes it hard.

asin · February 19, 2007 6:09AM

Yes Jefferson nickels in ms and proof. State Quarters ms and proof. Roosevelt dimse MS and proof. Prez. dollars ms and proof . and SAC. dollars in ms and proof fun and easy to collect.

STONE · February 19, 2007 6:36AM

Jefferson Nickels are a nice coin to collect. I think it's a beautiful design and all that it entails (esp. pre 1960)

mirabela · February 19, 2007 8:04AM

Another factor worthy of note is this -- it is pretty infrequently that one encounters cleaned, whizzed, or AT Jeffersons. I'm not saying such do not exist, but the proportion of the population available for sale is much lower than in many series.

Coxe · February 19, 2007 8:24AM

I agree completely. Every date, even the war nickels, except the hoarded 50-D can be pulled out of bank rolls for those who are patient. You also have some neat OMM varieties and the challenge trying to get anything near full steps on dates from the 50s through the 60s. These are obtainable, reasonable and challenging. The war nickels also have the distinction of containing the highest amount of silver per cent of face value AND are fascinating as the only silver rich coin likely found in circulation (bank rolls) for face value with any frequency.

SanctionII · February 19, 2007 8:28AM

As long as the question is designed to address "collectors" in general [as opposed to collectors who have already chosen an area to collect in], I concur, for the numerous reasons stated in the replies thus far.
[Boy my reply sure has added to the quality of this thread

].

Ronyahski · February 19, 2007 9:17AM

Collecting them can also be more challenging if you put a little twist to it. I've been putting together a set of MS rainbow toned coins. Goes without saying that my set is coming along very slowly.

ColonialCoinUnion · February 19, 2007 9:19AM

My first set was Jeffersons back in 1969 if memory serves.

It was fun and not wallet busting (even for a kid), except for the over-mintmark varieties which were really hot in the 1970s.

Omega · February 19, 2007 9:48AM

I have been working on a circulated set out of bankrolls with my daughter. We have had a great time and just found our first silver 43 P this past weekend. It is amazing how many older coins are still seen regularly in circulation. And it's fun!

cape · February 19, 2007 9:57AM

there the perfect coins to spend!

sinin1 · February 21, 2007 10:59AM

Heritage must agree -

they have over 2000 business strikes listed in BuyNow and Auctions

is there any other better source for top end Jefferson's?

cladking · February 21, 2007 11:28AM

<< Heritage must agree -

they have over 2000 business strikes listed in BuyNow and Auctions

is there any other better source for top end Jefferson's? >>

Mint sets.

You probably aren't going to find exactly what you're looking for but if
you're persistent you'll find something else that's even better. The cost
is nominal unless you count your time and effort.

compromonedas · February 21, 2007 12:07PM

<< 

<< 

<< I thought this thread would be a good place to show a couple of pics of a jeff I'm waiting to arrive right now...

>>

Nice!!!

>>

Very nice 1971 no S. Is it 68Cam?

I have had a couple of those and really liked them alot. >>

69 CAM, looking for 69 DCAM

“Jefferson Nickels are the perfect coins to collect." Do you agree?

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“Jefferson Nickels are the perfect coins to collect.&quot; Do you agree?

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“Jefferson Nickels are the perfect coins to collect." Do you agree?