1942-D/D Jefferson Nickel. FS-501. D/Horizontal D. MS-66 FS (PCGS). Phenomenal quality and eye appeal for this popular, yet challenging Jefferson nickel RPM variety. The obverse is beautifully toned in iridescent champagne-apricot that lightens a bit to more of a golden-apricot hue on the reverse. Both sides are dressed in bountiful mint luster that is as smooth and lively as the day the coin emerged from the dies. The 1942 and 1942-D were the final copper-nickel five cents issued until 1946 - the war effort would supplant the copper-nickel coinage with a copper-silver-manganese composition that ran from 1942 through 1945 inclusively.<p>In the 21st century, American collectors are becoming more and more aware of the fertile collecting field of mid-20th century coinage. For many years Jefferson nickels were collected from circulation, and even Mint State pieces could be had for a pittance at the corner coin shop. Not much thought went into collecting the series with Full Steps, although some shrewd collectors looked for the finest and sharpest examples of every date they could find. Those collectors were well ahead of the curve when it came to Jefferson nickels and can enjoy the benefits of their foresight today. It only takes a pair of specialists to make a bidding war, but we expect more will have their bidding paddles high when this specimen crosses the auction block. For the 1942-D/Horizontal D is one of the rarest Jefferson nickels in Mint State, especially with Full Steps striking detail, and the present offering for a premium quality Gem represents a highly significant find for the astute collector. From the George "Buddy" Byers Buckeye Collection. Earlier ex Heritages Long Beach Signature Auction of February 2016, lot 3140.
