1964 Jefferson Nickel. SMS. Specimen-68 FS (PCGS). A phenomenal absolute and condition rarity worthy of inclusion in the finest Jefferson nickel set. Satiny surfaces are silky smooth in texture and lightly toned in gorgeous champagne-gold. Fully struck, and simply a delight to behold. The decision to suspend the production of traditional Proofs beginning in 1965 (a decision that, once made, remained in effect through 1967) apparently prompted the Mint to begin the search for a suitable replacement for those coins. We say "apparently" because no documentation exists that details the experimentation process that eventually led to the creation of the Special Mint Set coins of 1965 to 1967. Prior to 1993/1994, in fact, no coins were known that were associated with this presumed experimentation phase. At that time, however, the catalogers at Stacks identified a set of 1964-dated coins from the cent through half dollar with a unique finish that could only be described as a prototype for the SMS coinage of 1965 to 1967. According to David W. Lange in <em>The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents</em> (1996), these 1964-dated prototype Special Mint Sets were probably prepared in the Philadelphia Mint during the fall of 1965 when the use of 1964-dated dies was still permitted by the Act of September 3, 1964. Since the use of mintmarks was suspended from 1965 through 1967, there also exists the possibility that the prototype 1964 SMS coinage was struck in the San Francisco Mint, which facility produced the SMS coinage of 1965-1967.<p>Exactly how many prototype 1964 SMS Jefferson nickels were produced is not known with certainty as no records were kept regarding this coinage. Based on the number of coins currently certified by PCGS and NGC, it seems likely that no more than 20 or 25 examples of this experimental issue are known. The present specimen is tied for finest certified honors among those submitted to PCGS for certification. A rare and important find for the advanced Jefferson nickel collector. From the George "Buddy" Byers Buckeye Collection.
