The 1964 SMS nickel is a rare and highly sought after coin, and it’s not always easy to identify. This coin was minted in very limited numbers, with only two known to exist. It is a special mint set coin that was held in a sealed package, and it has the initials SMS (special mint set) on the reverse side. In order to identify this rare coin, you will need to examine it closely and familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the 1964 SMS nickel.
Observing the Obverse Side
The obverse side of the 1964 SMS nickel is unique. It has a modified version of the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, which was used on all nickels from 1938 to 1964. On the 1964 SMS nickel, the portrait of Jefferson is slightly different from the others. The details of the portrait are sharper and the overall look of the coin is shinier. This is one of the main distinguishing features of the 1964 SMS nickel.
Examining the Reverse Side
The reverse side of the 1964 SMS nickel is even more unique than the obverse side. This is because it has the initials “SMS” on it, which stand for “Special Mint Set”. This means that the coin was made specifically for a special mint set, and not for general circulation. The letters “SMS” are in a font that is slightly different from the other coins of the same year, which is another way to identify the 1964 SMS nickel.
Checking the Weight and Size
The weight and size of the 1964 SMS nickel are also important to consider when trying to identify it. The weight of the 1964 SMS nickel is 5.00 grams, which is slightly heavier than the regular 5-cent coin of the same year, which weighs 4.67 grams. The diameter of the 1964 SMS nickel is also slightly larger than the regular 5-cent coin, measuring 21.2 millimeters rather than the usual 21.0 millimeters.
Inspecting the Edge
Another way to identify a 1964 SMS nickel is to inspect the edge of the coin. The edge of a regular 5-cent coin is plain, while the edge of the 1964 SMS nickel is reeded, or ridged. This is due to the fact that the 1964 SMS nickel was struck multiple times, which resulted in the reeded edge. This is another distinguishing feature of the 1964 SMS nickel.
Looking for the Mint Mark
The mint mark of a 1964 SMS nickel is also unique. The regular 5-cent coins of this year were minted at the Philadelphia Mint, and thus have no mint mark. The 1964 SMS nickel, however, was struck at the Denver Mint, and thus has the “D” mint mark on the obverse side of the coin, just below the date. This is yet another way to identify the 1964 SMS nickel.
Checking for Color and Shine
The color and shine of the 1964 SMS nickel is also important to consider when trying to identify it. The regular 5-cent coins of this year have a dull, matte finish, while the 1964 SMS nickel has a bright, shiny finish. This is due to the fact that it was struck multiple times, and thus has a different luster than the other coins of the same year.
Checking for Serial Numbers
The last way to identify a 1964 SMS nickel is to check for any serial numbers that may be present. The regular 5-cent coins of this year have no serial numbers, but the 1964 SMS nickel may have a serial number on the reverse side. This is because the coins were held in sealed packages, and the packages were numbered. If the coin has a serial number, it is likely to be the 1964 SMS nickel.
Conclusion
Identifying a 1964 SMS nickel can be challenging, but it is possible if you examine the coin closely and familiarize yourself with the distinguishing characteristics of this rare coin. Look for differences in the portrait on the obverse side, the “SMS” initials on the reverse side, the weight and size, the reeded edge, the “D” mint mark, and any serial numbers that may be present. These are all signs that the coin is a 1964 SMS nickel.