• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

What's the story behind this rarity?

Started by Leothelion,

9 posts in this topic

Hoot

Hoot

Posted
Posted

Hi Leo - My simplistic understanding is this: The Mint began experimentation with SMS dies in late 1964. At that time, they produced about 20 sets as presentation pieces. I do not know how these were "distributed" or who they were given to, but they eventually made it into the wider publics' hands, and every now and again pop up for auction. I have seen perhaps half a dozen nickels change hands in the last few years. Novel coins, but not within the financial reach of the average collector, as they typically go for 4500 to 10000 bucks.

 

Hoot

Link to comment
Share on other sites
TomB

TomB

Posted
Posted

I've written about these 1964 SMS sets in previous threads, however, I don't have the time to find them right now. Someone who knows quite a bit about them, and who has owned more pieces than anyone I know, is Jesse Lipka of Numismania in NJ. You may want to catch up with him at a major show and ask some questions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Leothelion

Leothelion

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks guys! I'm familier with these trial strikes but did anyone notice the thumb and fingerprints on both sides of this coin! YIKES!

 

The story I'd like to hear is, which came first, the chicken or the egg, when they certified this coin? 27_laughing.gif MS68? 27_laughing.gif

 

Leo

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Leothelion

Leothelion

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1964Here's another one for you Leo!WOWSER! David

 

Hi David

The early off5centers are interesting! I have an example dated 1949 and paid only some 20 odd dollars for it. See attachment! I have no interest in assembling a full set of these, one was interestingly enough for me. 27_laughing.gif

 

Leo

588513-M49ocsteps.jpg.7dbe587e32d1c09105aa66046d4656a5.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Leothelion

Leothelion

Posted
  • Author
Posted
***noob alert***

 

how do you know it's from an sms?

 

I don't know! Good question! They're usually high grade with satin-like surfaces with high step count verses your regular lower grade, difficult to find FS nickel business strike! They have the strikes of a proof coin but with satin-like surfaces.

Only about 20 to as high as possibly 50 were produced. See Hoot's and TomB's post.

 

Leo

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Go to topic listing