Posted 05/23/2009 10:56 pm
In the year 1951 more 1951 S nickels were saved in UNC condition than the other two minted coins.
Probably speculation from the 1950 D hoarding experience, as that coin skyrocketed in price once the public was made aware of the low mintage. There was a real craze over 1950 D nickels and that is why it is more common to find an UNC 1950 D than a circulated example in today's market.
I theorize, the low mintage of the 1951 S also had a similar hoarding but not on such a grand scale as the prior years 1950 D.
Therefore more 1951 S coins exist in mint state than the 1951 and 1951 D coins. They were probably more ignored and circulated to a much greater degree. So mintage has nothing to do with surviving examples of all 1951 nickels. There are simply probably more mint state 1951 S nickels available than the others today.
As far as circulated examples of any of the 3 minted 1951 nickels, it is very difficult to find a 1951 S today unless you buy one online or at a coin shop. They are almost all residing in collections. You can still find a 1951 or 1951 D though roll searching with some effort.
Probably speculation from the 1950 D hoarding experience, as that coin skyrocketed in price once the public was made aware of the low mintage. There was a real craze over 1950 D nickels and that is why it is more common to find an UNC 1950 D than a circulated example in today's market.
I theorize, the low mintage of the 1951 S also had a similar hoarding but not on such a grand scale as the prior years 1950 D.
Therefore more 1951 S coins exist in mint state than the 1951 and 1951 D coins. They were probably more ignored and circulated to a much greater degree. So mintage has nothing to do with surviving examples of all 1951 nickels. There are simply probably more mint state 1951 S nickels available than the others today.
As far as circulated examples of any of the 3 minted 1951 nickels, it is very difficult to find a 1951 S today unless you buy one online or at a coin shop. They are almost all residing in collections. You can still find a 1951 or 1951 D though roll searching with some effort.
