Re-Engraved Obverse Design: The 1953 Proof Jefferson nickels, FS-401

Manorcourtman

Thought I'd share this cool new Cherrypicker guide entry, the 1953 Proof Jefferson Re-engraved obverse design. Properly attributed as FS-401. The Proof Jefferson nickel dies were often over-used by the US Mint in the early 1950's. In 1953 the Mint decided it wanted to enhance this over-used Proof die by re-engraving the Ribbon on Jefferson's bust because it was so worn the ribbon was partially missing. But their pathetic attempt to fix the die left the remaining coins struck from the die severely impaired! The ribbon is almost unrecognizable when viewed up this close!! Not one of the prouder design days for the US Mint. This is one of my favorite coins in my collection. Enjoy.....

oih82w8

Impaired and unrecognizable? Absolutely!

Aspie_Rocco

Here is the other 1953 re engraved proof, as yet unlisted. I have seen only one of these. I call it Slash for obvious reasons

Aspie_Rocco

Here is yet another 1953 re engraved ribbon, the third different design outside Cherrypickers.

RadioContestKing

Thanks for sharing, I had a 1953 Proof set that I bought because of the Quarter had the Engraved Tail Feathers, found inside that same set was the 1953 Proof Penny with Engraved Coat Lapel and I just pulled it back out to look at the Nickel and sure enough it is Engraved around the Que. That was the Set that keeps giving.............Will have to look at the Dime and Half now.

Enjoy Tom

RogerB

Similar strengthening of Jefferson's queue and Lincoln's coat are found in nearly all proofs from the earlier pre-war run, also. The real "rarity" is finding a proof without retouching. The book "United States Proof Coins 1936-1942," available in about 6-weeks, discusses this work in detail.

Aspie_Rocco

@RogerB said:
Similar strengthening of Jefferson's queue and Lincoln's coat are found in nearly all proofs from the earlier pre-war run, also. The real "rarity" is finding a proof without retouching. The book "United States Proof Coins 1936-1942," available in about 6-weeks, discusses this work in detail.

I look forward to seeing/reading this. Im my efforts to locate re engraved proofs I have noticed on nickels for many of these years it has been more difficult to find the re engraved types.
I do appreciate untouched specimens and will acquire these also.
I must admit 99% of my research is visual examination, and I need to do some reading next.

RogerB

In researching the 1936-1942 book, none of the 1950 and later proof were examined. So my comments are speculative regarding those later issues.