-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 38234
Checkout
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Certified 1957 Proof Jefferson Nickel PF68 is a high-grade example from one of the most iconic series in American coinage. The Jefferson Nickel was introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel and has since become a staple of U.S. coinage. Designed by German-American sculptor Felix Schlag, the series was created to honor Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. The proof issues, such as the 1957 example, were specially struck for collectors and never intended for circulation, ensuring their preservation and prominence among numismatists.
The 1957 proof nickel was part of the annual proof set produced by the U.S. Mint and sold to collectors. These coins were struck using specially polished dies and planchets, resulting in a brilliant finish with high contrast between the frosted design elements and mirrored fields. Unlike regular business strikes, proof coins were struck multiple times under higher pressure, giving them sharper details and an enhanced visual appeal. The 1957 proof set included the Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Franklin Half Dollar, each struck in their respective denominations for that year.
The obverse of the 1957 Jefferson Nickel features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, based on a bust by sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY” appear on the left and right sides of Jefferson’s profile, respectively, with the date “1957” placed at the far right. Schlag’s initials do not appear on the coin, as they were not included on the original design until a revision in 1966. The image captures Jefferson in a calm and statesmanlike pose, fitting for his place in American history.
The reverse design depicts Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia home, which he designed himself and is now preserved as a historic landmark. The building is centered and rendered in neoclassical style, true to the architectural reality of the estate. The inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appear along the top rim, with “MONTICELLO” directly below the dome of the building. The words “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircle the bottom half. The architectural detail and symmetry of Monticello are sharply defined on proof strikes, especially at higher grades like PF68.
The 1957 proof nickels were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use mint marks at the time. The Philadelphia facility was the sole producer of proof coinage in the 1950s and was well known for its craftsmanship in this area. With over 1.24 million proof sets sold in 1957, the mintage for proof Jefferson Nickels that year aligns with that figure. While this mintage is relatively high compared to earlier years in the series, only a small fraction of these coins survive in superb gem grades such as PF68.
Proof coins graded PF68 are considered near-perfect, with only the most minute imperfections visible under magnification. The coin must exhibit outstanding eye appeal, strong mirrors, and sharp device definition to earn such a grade. Many 1957 proof nickels show signs of hazing, spotting, or faint hairlines from handling or age, but a PF68-certified example avoids such flaws, offering collectors a superbly preserved specimen. When certified by a top-tier grading service such as NGC or PCGS, the grade is a guarantee of condition, authenticity, and desirability in the numismatic marketplace.
The 1957 proof Jefferson Nickel in PF68 condition typically displays vibrant reflectivity, strong contrast, and clean fields. Some examples may even exhibit cameo or deep cameo designations, where the frosted raised design contrasts sharply with the mirrored background. While not all PF68 coins meet the requirements for such designations, they are uniformly of excellent quality and are among the top survivors of their mintage. As the Jefferson Nickel series progresses through its many issues, these early proof strikes remain cornerstones of 20th-century American coinage.
Though widely available in lower grades, high-end certified proofs from the 1950s are increasingly sought after by collectors assembling high-grade date sets or registry sets. Registry competition among collectors often drives demand for top-graded examples, especially when populations in PF68 and above are limited. The 1957 issue, with its classic mid-century proof finish and sharp architectural detail, is a popular entry for both Jefferson series specialists and those building comprehensive U.S. type collections.
The longevity of the Jefferson Nickel design and its place in American coinage history add to the desirability of this coin. Although the design underwent a major revision in 2006, the original Schlag design spanned nearly seven decades, giving it an enduring presence. Collectors appreciate the series not just for its longevity but also for the challenge of obtaining pristine examples from early proof issues, where handling and storage over the decades have thinned the supply of pristine coins.
The Certified 1957 Proof Jefferson Nickel PF68 stands as a beautiful example of mid-20th-century U.S. Mint artistry and precision. It represents the convergence of historical reverence, classical design, and technical excellence, making it an exceptional addition to any advanced collection. With its gleaming fields, sculptural detail, and outstanding preservation, this coin continues to captivate both seasoned numismatists and those new to the hobby. Its combination of quality, history, and aesthetic appeal ensures its place among the finest examples of the beloved Jefferson Nickel series.