The 1971 “No S” Proof Jefferson Nickel (Buy on eBay) represents one of the true rarities of modern Proof coinage. The issue was a Proof coin struck at the San Francisco Mint without the “S” mint mark. This represented the only such occurrence within the Jefferson Nickel series.
According to statements provided by Mint officials, the total number of 1971 “No S” Jefferson Nickels produced was a mere 1,655 pieces, which were released within regularly issued 1971 Proof Sets. This represented only a minuscule portion of the total 3,220,733 Proof Sets sold by the Mint. The issue remains in strong demand, particularly for examples displaying cameo or deep cameo contrast.
Collectors might want to double check their 1971 Proof Sets to see if the rare nickel is included, although chances are slim.
Similar situations of the mint mark missing from modern proof coins had occurred with the 1968, 1970, 1975, and 1983 “No S” Proof Roosevelt Dimes.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Felix O. Schlag
- Denomination: $0.05
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Diameter: 20.5 mm
- Weight: 5.00 g
- Edge: plain
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