1938 Jefferson Nickel, Proof (Uncertified), with typed and signed letter from Philadelphia Mint Superintendent Edwin H. Dressel dated November 30, 1938. The nickel and letter are mounted together in a custom white Capital Plastics holder, on the front of which is a copy of our (Stacks) catalog description when we sold this coin in June of 2006. The coin exhibits virtually flawless mirror surfaces with the lightest hint of golden iridescence. The strike is jewel sharp, as befits the first year of the Jefferson design type. The letter, which covers the reverse of the coin in the holder, is typed on the letterhead of the Treasury Department, United States Mint Service, Office of the Superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint and dated November 30, 1938. In the letter Superintendent Edwin H. Dressel sends his thanks to William M. Goss of Scovill Manufacturing Co., Waterbury, Connecticut, offering "Many thanks for your kind cooperation in speeding up our blank deliveries recently. I am enclosed herewith for your collection, one of the first twenty Proof Nickels struck for distribution."<p>The use of "Mint Service" instead of "Mint Bureau" is curious, and the involvement of the Scovill firm in fascinating, as the Waterbury company was one of the most active in coin blank and token-making since the early 19th century, Pinned to the superintendents letter is a small manila envelope with typed "#12/PROOF," containing a typical Mint cellophane envelope that once housed this delightful Proof, the 12th of the first 20 struck. Here is a coin with an unmatched provenance from its primordial sources, both of blank planchets and finished Proof strike. From the George "Buddy" Byers Buckeye Collection. Earlier ex our (Stacks) June Sale of 2006, lot 425. Lot tags included.
