Obtained a 1954-S/D Jefferson Nickel NGC MS65 from Greattoning (E-Bay seller) for $182.50 and 620 registry points.

This auction was won using a max bid of $265.50.

1954-S/D 5C MS65: NGC Census: (45/33). PCGS Population (92/3) (2/2012).

Seller: E-Bay Seller: Greattoning

E-Bay Listing: 330682654009

Ended: Feb 12, 201217:31:01 PST

Coin Description:

The current example has an average strike for the 1954-S which was the worst struck nickel of the entire series. The steps are non existent, there is die wear on both sides as well as significant loss of detail on both sides with respect to the hair and the interior details of Monticello. Both sides are blanketed in a rich steel blue, orange, and magenta patina that provides alluring eye appeal.

Comments:

The 1954-S/D is one of the more dramatic over mintmark varieties found within the Jefferson Nickel series. The die initially received a D mintmark and was later punched with an S mintmark. The bottom edge of the D clearly protrudes from the bottom of the S mintmark. FS-501, formerly FS-033, CONECA: OMM-001, NGC VARIETY PLUS: VP-001. An underlying D is seen within and below the S mintmark. The NGC census in MS65 (2/2012) is 45/33 with all higher examples graded MS66.

While I recognize the collectibility of the over mintmark varieties, I have a fundamental problem with the amount of registry points that they garner in comparison to the both the regular issues and the other varieties such as the doubled dies. Consider that the total population for the 1954-S/D in MS65 is 137/36 yet it earns 620 registry points. Compare that to the 1954-S MS67 that has a total population of 19/0 which only yields 183 points. When compared side by side, the difference in quality between an MS67 and MS65 is undeniable but the MS65 gets a huge increase in registry points due to a very minor die variation in my opinion.

It is not that I dont appreciate that these varieties deserve a premium in points compared to a non variety coin of the same grade, but the points assignment has to make sense. For whatever reason, NGC has decided not to use the most simple point scale which would simply be based upon price. As it stands, the current point system used by the NGC registry forces the competitor to include inferior coins in their collection if they want to maximize their point total and ranking.

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