1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel ??

[Ohio850]

Hello, I received this coin from an estate sell. And was told this coin was a proof 1964 Jefferson Nickel. And was looking at this coin and amazed at the detail and sharp edge. And compared it to another 64 proof NGC graded coin I have and a 65 SMS NGC graded coin. And didn’t think it matched up with the proof at all. And I know 64 didn’t make a SMS officially. Is this possible one. I hope I can get some advice cause I wanted to send it in to get graded. Thanks so much.

[MintErrors]

In my opinion, the identification via normal photos is probably not going to happen. One would have to supply highly detailed photos in order to determine if it was. Just because some said it was a proof Jefferson of 1964 does not mean it is.

The blunt truth is there were very very limited numbers made so the odds are not good. It could simply be a normal well struck Jefferson. The 1964 SMS were handed out to specific mint employees and maybe some government officials. IF someone "knew" this was an SMS, and did not have it authenticated as such is beyond me.

You have the coin in hand. I recommend searching you fav search engine f or

1964 Jefferson Nickel sms diagnostics

Another forum has some detailed photographs that were taken from examples seen at heritage auctions. You need to match up the diagnostics like the exact location of most of the scratches and other pick up points in order to confirm its a 1964 SMS.

[Ohio850]

I appreciate your honesty option. Really I was going out on a limb. But I bough the coin with others from an estate sell, I got most of the nickels. They were all labeled in clear sleeves, this one said Proof on it. And checking it out, after I bought it, I just knew it didn’t look like other proof 64’s I have and seen. Maybe thinking it could be something more. Is there an exact link to check out the actual 64 SMS? Or just google it like you suggested. Again thanks your your time..

[MintErrors]

I typically don't add other forum links here, but I will do it for this post. Look near the bottom of the post. Look for the 4 coin comparison and then below that are the SMS diagnostics.

https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/...OPIC_ID=431490

Look at Heritage auctions for more photos....

https://www.ha.com/c/search/results.zx?term=1964+jefferson+5c+sms&si=2&archive_state=5327&sold_status=1526&sb=1&mode=archive&ic10=OtherResults-ViewAll-071515

[Ohio850]

Awesome. Thanks so much.

[eaxtellcoin]

Ohio850, It's not a 64 SMS. All the ones I've witnessed on line have perfect steps. Notice your bottom step is worn into the base?
Then the SMS has a almost verticle die scratch from the right monticello towards UNUM. Another way of finding an example to look at is go to the PCGS website - look up PCGS type # 84170 and that will show ALL graded. then click on the REV and hold on the coins REV. You should see a big hourglass that zooms the coin in so you can see the markers.
Eric

[Ohio850]

I appreciate the information. I had my doubts. I had thought from all the really amazing coins I got from this lot, labeled and well kept. This one was marked a proof… and I had thought maybe it was worth looking into. I’am going to check into your info for comparison. And gather some knowledge for the future. I get so excited with some of these Jefferson nickels. I enjoy the history. Can’t wait to show you what I have next… have a great evening.