While the earliest days of the U.S. Mint boast the greatest
density of true rarities, even the modern era has its fair share of exciting
treasures to encourage collectors adventurous enough to cherrypick. Though
mintage figures confirm that no Jefferson nickel is rare in an absolute sense,
populations dwindle to single digits when preservation and strike are considered.
The master hub of the Reverse of 1940 had been in use for three decades before
it was retired in 1970, and overall quality had been progressively waning during
this period. This combined with inconsistent overall minting quality causes
Jefferson nickels of the 1960s to be considerable strike rarities. The 1969-D
is among the most elusive.
We are thrilled to feature the sole Full Step 1969-D nickel
in lot
2171 of our Official Auction
for the ANA World’s Fair of Money, offered as part of the George
“Buddy” Byers Buckeye Collection.
The Byers Collection holds leading rankings in numerous Jefferson nickel
categories on the PCGS Set Registry, including #2 All-Time Finest in the
category Jefferson Nickels FS with Major Varieties, Circulation Strikes.
Graded MS-65 FS (PCGS), the 1969-D from the Byers Collection
is the only example of the issue recognized as having Full Steps by either PCGS
or NGC, placing it in a class all of its own for Set Registry enthusiasts. This
incredible 20th century rarity is brilliant platinum-white with pearlescent
luster on both sides. A thin wire rim traces the circumference in some areas,
enclosing sharp legends and boldly pronounced centers that mimic the striking
characteristics of a Special Mint Set issue of the era. Monticello’s steps are
nicely delineated, entirely unobscured by abrasions and exhibiting just the
faintest softness at the lower right region.
This MS-65 FS (PCGS) nickel will be offered in lot 2171 of
our Official Auction for the ANA
World’s Fair of Money this August, accompanying a vast selection of
world-class rarities including the finest known 1804 dollar, a newly discovered
1794 dollar, an original 1827/3 quarter, a Mint State 1796 Stars quarter eagle,
and many other treasures. The sale is
available on our website www.StacksBowers.com
for viewing and bidding, featuring high-resolution images, Coins In Motion
animations and our user-friendly bidding platform. The Live portions of the
August sale will be held from August 16th through the 21st and broadcast in
high definition across a number of platforms including their website, Facebook
and YouTube. The Internet-Only sessions will take place the next week, August
23rd through 25th. For questions about bidding or to request an in-hand
inspection from one of our specialists, please contact our auction services
department at 800-458-4646 or e-mail [email protected].
