Roll Find, Nickel Proofs & More

None are proofs, Nickels minted for circulation in 1968 through 1970 had S or D mintmarks on the obverse and having steps on any of these except the 1973 D is hard to find.
Because of some having S on the obverse you may be thinking they are proofs which also have an S mintmark.

Most of these look like average BU nickels except the bottom right 68 S and 69 S which look like AU to me. Nice find but not terribly valuable! I'd go back to the source and ask for more nickels if possible.
Find a 1969 D with 4+ or 5 steps in those BU conditions and you have a rarity.

Again, the 1962 D nickel is a very tough date for full step nickels. If I were you I would run to the bank with $50.00 and get 25 rolls from them and see if you can be picky about which ones you can get. You may get quite lucky because it sounds like somebody dumped an old hoard.
The best way to determine a proof from a circulation intended coin is to get your hands on several proof coins from different decades. Study them under a good magnifying glass and compare. More recent proofs are much easier since they are generally cameo in appearance but earlier ones can be either cameo and more desirable that way or they can appear to be mirror like. The fields are very smooth on proofs and the rim is flat and squared off.

Look at these links, They are huge and take time to download from PCGS.
First is an 1968 S MS66 Jefferson uncirculated nickel.
http://caimages.collectors.com/coin...19283360.jpg
Next is a 1968 S Proof PR66 with a mirror like finish.
http://caimages.collectors.com/coin...15501129.jpg
Finally is a deep cameo PR69 drool! Proof!
http://caimages.collectors.com/coin...07801815.jpg

Look at the rims on the proofs, that is a sure sign compared to the uncirculated rims.

I recommend you check out a Red Book Guide to United States coins and keep asking questions on here before forking out hard earned dough. Almost all the proof nickels from 1956 to date are fairly inexpensive and they vary widely in condition so being informed first is the best way to go.
You can also check out this price guide online for further information, but of course you need to learn how to grade the coins from the series you want to collect.
for mintage figures and grading guidelines too. Here is a link

My favorite coin to study and collect is the Jefferson nickel for several reasons.

A. They are readily available for 5 cents.
B. They are a series of the past 74 years, only recently having been drastically modified into a new design.
C. Making up a complete set of those intended for circulation can be found at face value in rolls of coins from the bank or looking in your change.
D. There are many varieties to watch out for, such as the doubled dies and over mint marks and the 1943 P over-date and double eye nickel.
E. Knowing which ones are difficult in higher grades to look for and find well struck with full steps can be very rewarding.


I have been into the series over 30 years and my set is never complete because I am always trying to improve on each coin I have in the set. I have all the proofs from 1938 to date including my avatar, the 1971 no S proof. I just like the design of the coin. Some do and some could care less, but it is important to learn all you can.
The Jefferson nickel is a great series to learn the basics of coin collecting at an affordable price which will help you use the tools you gain in moving onto more serious coins.
By the way, Your pictures are great compared to mine. I don't have the knack for picture taking when it comes to coins.