Opinions wanted on Full Step evaluation?

I have attached an image (1978D_stepZ.jpg). I just purchased it, but was hesitant as the bag mark seemed maybe too deep. But maybe not, it is iffy. Using the common system of steps, I see 6-6-5-6. I would really appreciate all your opinions on this one. The lowest step is faint, best visible under column #2.
I cannot insert the image so I will post it as a new topic, others will see it, but thats okay. I really do also want your (Lehigh96) valued opinion. Overall the coin is most likely a MS 63 maybe MS 64. I did not have to pay much, as the owner felt the bag mark obliterated the steps. I think it is acceptable, but??

 

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steps are not complete, contact mark kills it...

 

Agreed.

 

Close but no dice. Bag marks alone rule full steps out. There are other problems with the bottom 2 steps that would also prevent it from being full without the bag mark.

 

Nope, sooooo close

 

+1 nice coin but Doug is correct on all counts.

 

Thank you for your valued opinions!!

 

If I may give you a tad bit of advice? Finding full Step nickels is a task that could take both of our life times together . I admire people who collect who are patient and search out the coins in the condition they wish to collect .
The Jefferson series prior to the strikes of 2006 is one of my favorites . I have two complete MS unc. Collections including variety coins. A full set of proofs including the 1971 s no s. However you can spend a small fortune seeking out full Step nickels. My advice enjoy the series and be selective but don't drive yourself nuts over FS nickels. Unless collecting nickels is the only series you collect. One other point it only takes a small nick to make a nicely struck nickel just that and not full steps.

 

I collect only FS Jefferson nickels as far as US coins are concerned. I am only lacking about 12 coins from a complete set. Yes it does take patience. Most shows I have been to, including the big ones, have very few Jeffersons, let alone FS coins. I may never find the remaining 12, but I still have some years left, I hope. Thanks Classy - Paddy! Oh by the way, that coin in the OP image, is being returned as it was NOT the coin I paid for. The seller switched coins! Frustrating, I sure hope he has the real coin in the ad, this one and the 1967 (not SMS) are real challenges for me.

 

I only collect FS Jefferson nickels, as far as US coins go. I do not have very many left to go, but the remaining ones are quite expensive. The 78D in the image in the OP is being returned, I just compared it with the original sales ad, and the seller (pete4333) switched coins, or got em mixed up. There was no gash in the steps in the sales ad, nor many other scratches. I should have compared right away. Yeah it does take patience. Most of the shows I have been to, including big ones, have very few Jefferson nickels (as you must know), let alone FS nickels. I do not have deep pockets, and I will settle for inexpensive substitutes. Even now I have SMS nickels for the 1965-67 coins as I cannot afford the FS circulation business strikes. Maybe someday I may find some inexpensive ones. But it is no big deal. I actually spend most of my time collecting world coins. May you live long!! Paddy! PS: Stress is one thing I try to avoid, being a combat veteran, after several tours in the jungles of beautiful South Vietnam, and after setting at least 70 ambushes, (that was my unique job, as well as pulling point), I have lived - somehow - under tons of stress. Today, I avoid stress. I suspect somehow, you can relate to this Paddy??
Gary in Washington

 

thank you for your service Gary in Washington, i too enjoy collecting Jeffersons but not to your extent, best of luck in someday completing an awesome set of nickels..

 

Well Gary ,Allow me also to thank you for your service. I too am from the Nam era. I lost a few childhood friends there,and a few afterwards from PSD.
Their names too should be on the wall!
But back to Jefferson nickels.
I will agree it's a series a lot of people shy away from, and why my best guess is they are not silver.
What a lot of collectors don't understand nickels can be very rewarding as well costly. If they did their home work they may be surprised to see out of the top 10 auction prices nickels are right up there with other series that are more so collected.
PM your needs I have been known to have a few Jefferson nickels...lol. and even a few others Shields , Liberty , Buffalo's...I guess you could say I'm sort of a nickel nut.
I also know quite a few contacts here on the right coast.
I even had at one time #21 of the Felix Schlag hand signed proof nickel poster boards.
Again Gary thank you for your service.... and feel free to pm any time if I can assist your hunt. Paddy

 

Ya think this 1999 D would go FS ? I do see a FS......

 

What do think the odds are on this one? To catch the last two digits , mm,and his initials? And just about 90% +/-off center strike.

 

Lets be generous and say that's about a 30 degree arc, in the k5 position. Given that a circle has 360 degrees, there's about a 1:12 chance that it'll contain that 30 degrees.

 

I would think it be a bit more then that... but as they say numbers don't lie.

 

I really have no idea what the actual numbers would be. I do know that off-center coins with a recognizable date are more desirable (for the obvious reasons), and will garner a premium, and will thus more often be saved/shown/featured. Especially when the coin is as far off as yours, to have a recognizable date is really cool.

 

Thanks yeah it's not for sale one I plan to hold on to for quite a while . I found this one in a bag,and thought of all the ones I've have found with no date and have more details. This one sort of the opposite . And to have the 99 mm and FS seems to be worth more then the common off center strike. I should have sent this in with the others for grading. I had some come back ms 66-68 full steps! NGC whom I sent them into called me wanting to know what else I had. They told me they never had such fine specimens in error Jefferson nickels. I had double strikes, triple strikes, broad strikes, inverted double strikes.
Most all I've have sold off. But this one is a keeper .

 

That is one of the best off center nickels I have seen in quite awhile. Unique!!