The 1959 5 cent coin, also known as the Jefferson Nickel, is a highly sought after coin among collectors. But the 1959 5 cent coin that has been recently graded by American Numismatic Investment (ANI) as MS66, takes this already valuable coin to a whole new level. Let's dive into the history and significance of the 1959 5 cent coin, and why it's graded MS66 by ANI. First introduced in 1938, the Jefferson Nickel features a portrait of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, on the obverse side. The reverse side depicts Jefferson's famous home, Monticello. The design of the coin was created by Felix Schlag, who won a competition in 1938 to redesign the coin's obverse. The coin's composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, and it has a diameter of 21.21mm. The 1959 5 cent coin was minted at three different locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Philadelphia mint produced the majority of the coins, with a total of 100,680,000 minted. The Denver mint produced 140,776,000, and the San Francisco mint produced only 9,277,000. These varying mintages contribute to the rarity of the 1959 5 cent coin, making it a desirable piece for collectors. So, what does it mean for a coin to be graded MS66 by ANI? ANI is a reputable third-party grading company that assesses the condition and authenticity of coins. MS stands for Mint State, which refers to a coin that has never been in circulation and has maintained its original luster. The numeric value ranges from 60 to 70, with 70 being the highest grade a coin can receive. A coin graded MS66 is considered to be in almost pristine condition, with only minor imperfections visible under magnification. Why is the 1959 5 cent coin graded MS66 by ANI significant? Firstly, this coin is a part of the last year of the Jefferson Nickel series to feature the Monticello design on the reverse. In 1960, the design was changed to the Jefferson Memorial. This makes the 1959 5 cent coin a popular choice among collectors who are looking to complete a set of the entire series. Additionally, the 1959 5 cent coin was minted during the peak of the Cold War, which adds a historical significance to the coin. The tension between the United States and the Soviet Union was at its height during this time, and the production of coins was closely monitored to prevent the hoarding of nickel for military use. The MS66 grade given by ANI adds to the value and desirability of the 1959 5 cent coin. It is now considered a highly sought after and valuable piece among collectors. The coin's overall condition, rarity, and historical significance all contribute to its value and make it a cherished addition to any coin collection. In conclusion, the 1959 5 cent coin graded MS66 by ANI is an exceptional find for any collector of Jefferson Nickels. Its combination of history, rarity, and excellent condition make it a highly sought after coin. Whether you are a passionate collector or looking to invest in valuable coins, the 1959 5 cent coin is definitely one to consider. Its grade by ANI only adds to its value and further solidifies its status as a prized possession.
