Obtained a 1946-S Jefferson Nickel NGC MS67 from Eternity Coin (E-Bay) for $95 and 163 registry points.

This coin was purchased using the BIN option and the seller included a gem proof 2004-S Keelboat Jefferson in a 2x2 as a free bonus coin which was a nice touch.

* 1946-S Jefferson Nickel 5C - NGC MS67 - Nice Coin! *

Seller: Eternity Coin

E-Bay Listing: 200551362745

Ended: Dec 07, 201022:25:15 PST

Coin Description:

Light champagne toning rests over clean lustrous well struck surfaces. The eye appeal of this coin is completely related to the luster. Parts of the coin display frosty surfaces while other parts are satin in nature. The result is an intermingled luster effect which results in a powerful visual effect.

Comments:

I have seen this luster effect on other late 40's "S" mint Jefferson Nickels and actually own a 1948-S that could be this coin's twin and I describe as "eerily attractive, distinctive, almost polished looking mint frost with champagne highlights."

The interesting thing about this coin is the price. The population of the 1946-S in MS67 is 126/0 with every example graded by NGC. Numsimedia wholesale lists their price guide at $60. However, despite the fact that the population reports indicate the 1946-S in MS67 is not scarce, Heritage has only auctioned 7 in their history. In fact, this specific coin was sold in an internet only auction for $57 in August 2007. This coin and the other that sold in November 2007 for $51 are probably the source of Numismedia's price.

But marketplace availability can't be ignored. While there may be 126 in the population, how many of those have the eye appeal necessary to make it into my collection? From that small number, how long will it be before one is for sale in the market? The answers to those questions are not concrete but one thing is certain. It is worth $35 to obtain the example that seems overpriced in today's market in order to avoid the agonizing wait for another example to hit the market. So while to some it may seem I overpaid, I will gladly pay a premium for coins like this that have availability issues in the market.