Obtained a 1956-D Jefferson Nickel NGC MS66* from Greattoning (E-Bay seller) for $153.49 and 40 registry points.

The coin was won using a max bid of $300.00

1956-D JEFFERSON NICKEL NGC MS66*: NGC Census: (143/22). PCGS Population (150/1) (2/2012).

Seller: E-Bay Seller: Greattoning

E-Bay Listing: 320857118625

Ended: Mar 04, 2012 18:03:25 PST

Coin Description:

The champagne center of the obverse yields to bright lavender and powder blue followed by thin rainbow bands of yellow, cherry, and lime green. And while the obverse is attractive, the reverse is absolutely stunning. The steps are untoned but vibrant bands of rainbow toning emanate from the untoned center including shades of tangerine, lavender, yellow, sapphire, and lime green. The die wear present improves the luster resulting in incredible eye appeal and a well deserved star designation. The coin has an appropriate number of marks and acceptable strike for the assigned grade.

Comments:

According to the NGC census (2/2012), this is the only 1956-D Jefferson Nickel that has been awarded a star designation. In fact, from 1955-1959, NGC has only awarded a total of 6 star designations across all dates and mints. Only the 1958-D star coin is graded MS67 and is also the only full step coin in the group. Finding attractive later date Jefferson Nickels is very difficult and finding coins with exceptional eye appeal worthy of a star designation is all but impossible.

It is not that they dont exist, they do! The problem is that the large majority of the coins that look like the current example still remain in album collections across the country and the vast majority of those coins will not achieve a top pop grade. Undoubtedly, we will continue to see the number of star designations for later date Jefferson Nickels rise over the years to come, but I expect many to be less than the premium gem level represented here. In my opinion, this coin was well worth the 4X premium that I paid to obtain it.

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