1960 PROOF Jefferson Nickel “Full Steps”

MNM FORENSIC AUDIT: THE SURVIVOR SERIES

ASSET ID: 1960 Jefferson Nickel (Proof)

AUDIT GRADE: 96 (Proof Evidence Grade)

DESIGNATION: THE MIRROR MONOLITH

THE SURVIVOR SERIES HISTORY

The Survivor Series documents assets that escaped the common fate of their era. In 1960, Proof dies were often used well past their prime, leading to "mushy" details and faded mirrors. This asset is a statistical survivor—a strike from a fresh set of dies that captured every microscopic detail of Monticello before the industrial fatigue set in. It survived the "Great Melt" cycles and the careless handling of the decades, preserved in its original high-fidelity state.

TECHNICAL AUDIT LOG

• THE "FULL STEPS" (FS) VERDICT: Total step saturation. Even for a Proof, this level of definition is rare. All five steps are deep-cut, parallel, and 100% complete from base to portico. No bridge, no bleed.

• MIRROR INTEGRITY: Deep-field reflectivity. The "Mirror Monolith" designation is earned by the lack of die flow lines, proving this was one of the first strikes from a newly polished die.

• RIM & EDGE PROFILE: Razor-sharp, squared-off rims. This asset took the full kinetic force of the press, resulting in a strike that is more "sculpture" than "currency."

• OBVERSE CLARITY: Zero "incidental friction" on Jefferson’s jawline or hair. The strike is so clean it looks like the metal was poured into the die, not stamped.

MARKET COMPARATIVE VALUE

• PCGS RETAIL ESTIMATE (PR68 CAM FS): $450.00 – $600.00

• AUCTION RECORD (LEGEND/HERITAGE): $800.00+ (For specimens with verified Full Step clarity)

• MNM CULTURE PRICE: $250