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The Certified 2011-S Jefferson Nickel graded PF70 by NGC is a flawless modern proof coin that exemplifies the U.S. Mint’s commitment to artistic excellence and technical precision in numismatic production. As part of the long-running Jefferson nickel series, the 2011-S issue continues the modern portrait of President Thomas Jefferson introduced in 2006, paired with the refined Monticello reverse. Struck at the San Francisco Mint and produced exclusively for collectors, this coin received the highest possible grade of PF70 from the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), indicating perfect surfaces, a full strike, and no visible flaws under 5x magnification. This pristine specimen is an ideal addition for collectors focused on modern U.S. coinage, presidential portraiture, or registry-quality Jefferson nickel sets.
Since 1938, the Jefferson nickel has been a staple of American coinage. Originally designed by Felix Schlag, the series remained mostly unchanged for decades until the Westward Journey Nickel Series in 2004 and 2005 briefly introduced new designs celebrating the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Beginning in 2006, the Mint introduced a new permanent obverse featuring a modern, forward-facing portrait of Jefferson and a refreshed version of Schlag’s Monticello reverse. The 2011-S Proof continues this design configuration, uniting classical architecture and modern portraiture in one cohesive and well-executed composition.
The obverse of the 2011-S Jefferson Nickel features the contemporary forward-facing bust of Thomas Jefferson, created by artist Jamie Franki. The expression is direct and commanding, showing Jefferson in a more personal and realistic style than previous iterations. Inscriptions include “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left, “LIBERTY” in Jefferson’s own cursive handwriting on the right, and the date “2011” with the “S” mintmark directly below. In PF70 condition, the frosted devices are fully struck and deeply contrasted against flawless, jet-black mirrored fields. The sharpness of Jefferson’s facial details, hair strands, and garment folds is exemplary of a proof coin at its finest.
The reverse of the coin features the iconic image of Monticello, Jefferson’s neoclassical Virginia home. Based on Schlag’s original design but refined in 2006, the depiction is crisp, symmetrical, and architecturally accurate. It is framed by the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the rim, and “FIVE CENTS” below. In PF70 condition, every line of Monticello’s columns, dome, and steps is razor-sharp, and the frosted reliefs create a strong cameo contrast with the deep reflective surfaces of the field. The craftsmanship of the U.S. Mint and the perfection of the strike are fully evident in this ultra-high-grade specimen.
The 2011-S Jefferson Nickel was struck only as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint and was never issued for circulation. It was included in U.S. Mint Proof Sets sold to collectors and produced using highly polished planchets and dies, with each coin struck multiple times to ensure sharp, high-contrast detail. While many proof coins are visually appealing, only a fraction of them qualify for the PF70 designation due to microscopic flaws, handling issues, or strike inconsistencies. This PF70 coin represents the absolute pinnacle of quality, with flawless surfaces and exceptional visual appeal confirmed through NGC’s stringent grading process.
NGC, one of the world’s most trusted third-party grading services, evaluates coins with meticulous care. Their PF70 designation guarantees that the coin has no imperfections visible under magnification, making it an ideal choice for collectors participating in registry set competitions or simply seeking top-condition examples of modern U.S. coinage. The encapsulation not only verifies the grade and authenticity but also provides long-term protection against environmental damage, preserving the coin’s pristine condition for generations to come.
While the 2011-S Jefferson Nickel is a modern issue, it holds strong collector interest for several reasons. First, it represents the continuation of the modern Jefferson design, which has now become an enduring visual representation of American presidential coinage. Second, it is part of the annual proof coin program, one of the most popular series among U.S. Mint customers. Lastly, its perfection and certification make it a standout piece within a broader series that spans over 85 years of American numismatic history.
From an investment standpoint, PF70 modern proofs such as this one offer long-term appeal due to their scarcity in perfect grade and their importance in building high-ranking registry sets. As more collectors focus on assembling complete Jefferson nickel collections with top-graded examples, coins like the 2011-S PF70 continue to gain desirability. These coins are also widely collected as part of U.S. Mint annual proof sets, especially among those who appreciate American presidential history, neoclassical design, and the evolution of modern coin portraiture.
Additionally, the 2011-S Jefferson Nickel is often appreciated for its subtle aesthetic details. Some PF70 examples exhibit gentle toning or peripheral color, depending on their original packaging and storage conditions. These natural hues can enhance the coin’s visual character and are often favored by collectors seeking originality alongside technical perfection. Whether brilliant white or lightly toned, a PF70 coin retains its elite status and remains one of the finest examples available for the issue.
The Certified 2011-S Jefferson Nickel graded PF70 by NGC stands at the apex of modern numismatics. Its flawless strike, deep cameo contrast, and historical significance make it a superior addition to any modern proof set, presidential coin series, or registry-quality collection. Combining exceptional craftsmanship with artistic heritage, this coin offers both visual impact and numismatic prestige—making it a truly ideal example of 21st-century U.S. coinage at its best.