1964 5c Special Mint Set SMS

While the United States Mint was busy producing business-strike coins for commerce needs and proof coins for collectors in 1964, apparently a couple dozen or so SMS Jefferson nickels were also struck. But why were SMS coins made in 1964' It's a question that hasn't been ever definitively answered. What we in the numismatic community know is that several turned up in the estate of former United States Mint Director Eva B. Adams, who passed away in 1991.

Perhaps the 1964 SMS coins were made as prototype strikes for the SMS coinage that was struck for collectors from 1965 through 1967. Perhaps the 1964 SMS Jefferson nickels were made in conjunction with the 1964-D Peace dollars that were struck but never authorized for release, and all of which were reportedly melted. Or, perhaps, there is another reason why the 1964 SMS Jefferson nickels were struck but has yet to be elucidated.

All 1964 SMS Jefferson nickels are extremely scarce and valuable. Their squared-off rims, well struck details, and clean fields differentiate them from their business-strike counterparts. In recent years, prices for the 1964 SMS Jefferson nickels have easily crossed the five-figure threshold.

Obverse Description

Felix Schlag's portrait of Jefferson, facing left, with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the left periphery, and LIBERTY * [year] on the right side.

Reverse Description

The Jefferson home is prominently centered with the name MONTICELLO captioned below. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out in half circle underneath and the words E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appear at the top and bottom periphery.