Owner Comments:
Generally, this issue comes with very good luster. But surface preservation is only average, as many examples are, at least, moderately abraded. Finding a pristine example with clear fields will take some work. Most coins are brilliant and, when a toned example shows up, it is usually lightly toned with grey or golden iridescence. Strike is the biggest factor for this issue, as it is OFTEN poorly struck. In my experiences, only the 1941-S, 1942-S and 944-S are worse, with regard to strike, within the short set (1941-1947). Circulated coins and low grade MS pieces are readily available, well struck MS 64 and MS 65 coins are tough to find and fully struck gems are definitely rare.
The present example is a brilliant, white coin with very good luster. There is some pleasant, light golden toning over the top of the obverse. The surfaces are quite clean and clear. The strike is one of the better ones that I've seen, as that was a priority for me, when I purchased this issue. Took me almost 3 years to find a nice one that I liked.
Ranked 49th of 65 in overall rarity and 46th of 65 in high grade mint state rarity for the full set.
Ranked 4th of 20 in both overall and high grade mint state rarity for the short set.
As of 09/2016, NGC Census in MS 66 is 350/45 and PCGS Population is 805/43 with 75 MS 66 coins being being Plus graded and just one coin graded MS 67 Plus with none finer.
Mintage is at 13,450,000