2018-S Jefferson Nickel Reverse Proof NGC PF70 First Day of Issue

The Only Reverse Proof Jefferson Nickel

In 2018, the U.S. Mint celebrated the 50th anniversary of its San Francisco branch striking Proof coins. As part of that celebration, they released a small mintage of Reverse Proof sets. Just 200,000 of these sets were released — and in them one could find the first and only Jefferson Nickel Reverse Proof.

A Small Hoard in Pristine Condition

We recently came upon a small hoard of these coins, all graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as being in flawless Proof-70 (PF70) condition, a distinction that means these perfectly-graded proofs have ZERO imperfections — showing all features and fields exactly as the engraver and mint intended. What’s more, NGC also certified each Jefferson Nickel was a First Day of Issue (FDI) coin, a designation that means they were received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository within the first 30 days of their release. Each coin was sonically sealed in an acrylic holder and encapsulated with a custom San Francisco Cable Car label.

To achieve a Reverse Proof effect, the dies and planchets are specially prepared so that multiple strikes result in frosty fields and shimmering details — the complete opposite of their traditional proof finish counterparts — and far more scarce! A good way to tell the difference is to imagine the difference between a photograph and its negative. When held right, a standard proof appears like a black-and-white photograph while a reverse proof takes on the appearance of its negative. The visual effect is remarkable!

If you haven’t secured this first-and-only coin for your collection, this is your chance!