PCGS The Standard for the Rare Coin Industry

JMBCoins Jeff Nickel Basic Proof

About this set: This set of proof Jefferson Nickels was assembled by a collector of modest means. My goal was to assemble a Registry Set that showcases the modern Jefferson Nickel in what I feel is its ultimate collecting form: proof.

In 1938 the Buffalo nickel was replaced with a new design. A contest was held with a prize of $1,000 to be awarded to the winning designer. Many models were submitted, but Felix Schlag, a German immigrant, was announced as the winner on April 24, 1938.

The US Treasury Department made Schlag modify the design, that featured Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse. Mintage commenced in mid-1938 and has continued since that time. During World War II from 1942 to 1945 nickels were struck in a special alloy composed of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese, to omit nickel which was in strong demand for war purposes.

Designed by: Felix 0. Schlag Issue dates: 1938 to date Composition: 0.75 part copper, 0.25 part nickel Diameter: 21.2 mm Weight: 76.16 grains (5 grams) Edge: Plain Business strike mintage: 28,970,251,265 through 1992 Proof mintage: 98,624,012 through 1991

• The Mint mark has been placed in three different locations, and disappeared completely for a time.

• The designers initials were added, but not until 1966, nearly two decades after the coin was introduced.

• The composition was changed, with the nickel component dropped for nearly four years – mid-1942 through 1945 – from the coin most Americans call a "nickel."

• Its been issued with multiple surface finishes: standard business strike, Brilliant Proof, Frosted Proof and a non-Proof Matte Finish (in the 1994-issued Jefferson Coin and Currency set and the 1997 Botanic Garden Coin and Currency set).