1954 (S) Jefferson Nickel - S/D

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

This is the S/D over mint mark on the 1954-S Jefferson Nickel, where a S was punched over an existing D. Dies were prepared with a mint mark before they were sent out, and when demand shifted a die already marked for Denver could be reassigned to San Francisco. Rather than scrap it, the receiving mint punched its own letter over the one already there. Traces of the D survive wherever its shape falls outside the S that covers it, so the diagnostic is the geometry of the two letters rather than doubling as such. Unlike a repunched mint mark, which shows one letter struck twice, an over mint mark shows two different letterforms occupying the same place. The 1954 (S) Jefferson Nickel - S/D is a nickel from the San Francisco Mint, belonging to the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left and the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. Last year San Francisco struck nickels for circulation; the mint would not produce business-strike nickels again until 1968. San Francisco's storied mint, born of the California Gold Rush, has evolved into the primary producer of U.S. proof coins. Estimated market value ranges from $46 to $3.5K depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4055.

Cross References

FS-501