Collecting Full Step Jefferson Nickels

For Denver, yes. The Philadelphia issue is much tougher, especially in higher grades.

 

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I would contend that your argument in your article is one of semantics. The grading services clearly consider the styloblate as one of the steps. You can't simply declare it not a step and then criticize the grading services for not using your method. The fact is that the grading services consider any Jefferson nickel with 4 uninterrupted lines (risers) to have 5 full steps and any Jefferson nickel with 5 uninterrupted lines (risers) to have 6 full steps.

If they were to adopt your terminology, they would simply change the full step designation to 4 full steps and 5 full steps. The paper is well written and makes sense but you don't simply get to rewrite the rules and then apply your rules to coins that were graded using different rules. You are warning collectors from paying premiums for FS nickels because they don't meet your requirements while they do meet the requirements employed by the grading services and accepted by the numismatic community. I think that rather than trying to convince collectors, you might want to convince the grading companies to change their terminology for the sake of architectural accuracy.

My only other comment is that at the end of your paper give you credit to various people and organizations for photos used in your article, but not for mine.




If you would like to correct this oversight, my name is Paul Drewes.

That said, I applaud your effort. You really have dedicated a lot of time to the Jefferson Nickel series, an man after my own heart. Bravo!

 

Paul,
I understand your position. I have a lot of FS Jefferson nickels, but I began from the premise that the TPG's were in error, and I did my own grading. There are 6 step coins, they are rare, I did (as you know) demonstrate one in my paper. Yes I did overlook you, but you did not grade that 1940 coin, NGC did, I gave credit to them, but I shall include your name, in fact I would be honored to. Look for the update soon.

Unbeknownst to thee, I sent copies to all the TPG's, ANA, CoinCommunity.com www.varietynickel.com, Wiles et al. They all know my position. They will not budge unless their markets prevail upon them, why should they? It would mean a lot of work to correct their mistake. If only one man rocks their boat, no problem, but if thousands do, they will adjust. That is business. It could cost some folks a bundle of money too, if they rely upon TPG's. Along with Doug, I do not support this modern entity known as the TPG's, I prefer to grade my own coins and or to follow (if anybody) ANA's guidelines. So I am a throw-back. Old fashioned. I am not part of the herd. My nickels are my nickels, I do have several 6 step coins, but most are 5 step.
You know names and labels are funny, labels and names can change, but the facts, or standard should not change. Monticello is Monticello, call it Jeffys Hall or whatever, it is still Jefferson's house. And he had 6 steps built. That is a fact. And a stylobate is a stylobate, regardless of what someone may label it. That is a fact! I do not tolerate major dings in the steps, as indicated in my own grading statement in the paper. Sure I am strict, but if only upon myself, that is fine. I offered my suggestions, I illuminated the architecture, the actual facts. If others agree, fine, if not fine. I own only two slabs, I do not generally even look at them! I still collect!! Give me RAW or give me (termination).
I was honored that you read (at least partly) my paper. I will probably never own the amount or quality of Jefferson's you have, but mine are all true FS, in anybody's eyes, even those building contractor's who frame and make steps or stairs!!!

 

I enjoyed the paper as well.

There are improvements that could be made in definitions and terminology and, perhaps, if the system is ever revamped most of these ideas can be incorporated into a new system.

 

Thanks for the observation, I agree!

 

So I found a 69-S, definitely a 5 full step in pocket change a few months ago. With my luck it's gotta be a proof. Besides what luster I see on the coin, is there any other way to tell the difference between the business strike 69-S and proof 69-S?

 

Of course proofs tend to have rims that are square in cross section.