Budget Recommendations: Build a set of dates and mintmarks 1913-1931 in G-4 to VG-8 grade, with later dates 1934-1938 in VF-20 preservation.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Form a set 1913-1938 in nicely matched MS-63 to MS-64 grade, selecting sharply struck pieces (which will take some doing, as slabbed coins are not marked as to the quality of strike; you will have to cherrypick). You will find that the mintmarked issues from 1914 to 1926, and especially 1918-1926, are hard to find and that the Denver Mint coins in particular are hard to find sharply struck (it may take a year or two to find a 1926-D that is sharp!). Common in Uncirculated grades are issues 1931-1938, as these were saved in roll quantities. Most common of all is 1938-D.

Elite Recommendations: Build a set 1913-1938 in MS-65 grade, sharply struck. The 1918/7-D overdate is virtually unobtainable in Mint State, thus any piece MS-60 or finer will be worthwhile; you may not live long enough to find a true MS-65.

Jefferson Nickels (1938 to Date)

In 1938 the government announced a competition to redesign the nickel, and some 390 artists applied. The winner was Felix Schlag, who created an obverse design of Thomas Jefferson, based on a bust sculpted by Jean Antoine Houdon. For the reverse he suggested an angular view of Monticello, Jefferson's home. The Treasury Department rejected the reverse and substituted another design, but the obverse was utilized more or less as submitted.

Jefferson nickels have been produced continuously since 1938. Many people have completed sets of Jefferson nickels, and in Uncirculated grades this can be accomplished with relative ease. However, sharply struck Jefferson nickels are another thing entirely. Numerous business strike issues of otherwise common dates are very rare with all details sharply defined. The specialist uses the steps on the front of Monticello as a guide to sharpness. To qualify as an exceptional coin, all of the steps must be clear.

Budget Recommendations: Build a set in F-12 or better grade. Recent issues can be picked from circulation.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Forming a sharply struck (with fully struck steps on Monticello) date and mintmark collection can be a great challenge, although not much money is involved. You might as well go for MS-65.

Elite Recommendations: Same as the preceding.