Ran into this 6 minute video that I thought was pretty good: http://www.pcgs.com/news/strike-par...1&spJobID=800453853&spReportId=ODAwNDUzODUzS0
On no, I just posted another thread about this today. Sorry Kentucky, didn't see your thread until after I posted mine.
Hi, excuse the redundancy from another Jefferson nickel thread. Watched the video; studied photos; think I understand full steps.....and then I see stuff like this recent auction. http://coins.ha.com/itm/jefferson-nickels/1938-s-5c-ms67-full-steps-pcgs/a/1225-4023.s?type=NGC1225 Which leaves me questioning the whole system and leaving me somewhat cynical about the grading systems , "buying plastic," and whether I really should bother getting my sons interested in coins. Maybe it's a misleading photo....yeah, maybe.
Hi Kentucky, I'm a bit confused. The link I included is indeed a PCGS slab at MS 67FS. A nice nickel...but dubious as full steps.
Sincerely apologize, was looking for "Full Steps" and didn't see the FS. Wonder what people on this forum would grade the coin. I am terrible at this, but from the looks of the reverse, would not have given an MS 67.
I've heard the FS designation tends to be a bit more lenient on the 1938 'wavy' steps coins. A similar look on a 1940 probably would not have gotten the FS designation.
The rules for REVERSE of 38 are different than the standard rules. Since by design, the REVERSE of 38 will have bridges, they are allowed even on full step coins. Additionally, since bridges are allowed, both TPGs are more lenient on nicks or marks that traverse the steps as well. The key feature in determining full step status on the REVERSE of 38 is a complete fifth step. Not the 4th line mind you, but the actual step below the 4th line must be complete. For example, consider the coin shown below. Notice that there are bridges in many spots, and a small nick under the 3rd pillar that traverses the steps. Those are fine as long as the majority of the step separation is visible and the "5th step" is uninterrupted. It shows a little weakness under the 3rd pillar but it is not broken. I'm not sure what you are seeing in that coin that would preclude it from MS67, it is essentially flawless with only very minor blemishes. The softness in the reverse strike and lack of door detail is extremely common and this level of detail would still be considered average to above average for the issue. You are correct, the rules for the REVERSE of 38 are different than REVERSE of 40.
Paul, once again thanks for sharing your knowledge, and of course your outstanding photos. I agree on the grade...nice nickel. Still pretty surprised on the full steps, both on the one I posted and on the one you have shared. On yours, the bridge to the "southeast" of the third pillar sure looks very complete. I'll have to go back and closely check my 38s that I have labeled (for my purposes only) "almost FS." I assume this leniency also applies to 39s with reverse of 38?
