Obtained a 1964 Jefferson Nickel NGC MS66* from Bowers & Merena for $98 on 6/18/10. I already own an MS67 but that coin has a worse strike and much less eye appeal than this coin.

The auction was won using a max bid of $150.

Bowers & Merena Auctions

The June 2010 Baltimore Auction

Paddle Number: 9025

Lot #: 1703

Description: Iridescent multicolored toning is most vivid along the upper-obverse border. A gorgeous Gem that really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. NGC Census: just 1 in all grades with a * designation, to include both non-FS and 5FS examples.

While the coin looks vastly different from the enhance photos used by the auction company, the quality of the eye appeal is undeniable. The untoned obverse center radiates outwards with a golden yellow zone followed by an explosion of rainbow bands across the entire upper portion of the coin. Intense bands of magenta, sapphire, and lime green then fade into a second progression of yellow and cherry red. The reverse bears a different toning pattern with violet in the center surrounded by slate blue with bright gold and pink on the peripheries.

The overall strike of the coin is well above average for the issue despite the fact that steps are incomplete and would rate 5-3-3-5 using the quarter step method. All windows and doors are completely detailed on Monticello and the obverse hair detail is equally as strong.

The surfaces of the coin are the only thing really holding the coin back. The number of hits and their size would normally resign this coin to no higher than MS65, but the incredible strike, luster, and phenomenal eye appeal of this coin leave the graders no other choice but to market grade the coin as an MS66*. The star is very well deserved and having seen many 1964 Jeffersons, I can attest to the rarity of eye appeal for the issue.