The Giant FS Jefferson Nickel GTG Coin #1: 1938-D

I teetered on the planchet/rim items but leaned in on 66. The damage and spots on the rim did catch my eye but opted not to discount based on the rim. My understanding is that graders will too, but I've seen them go both ways.

 

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Reveal: 1938-D Jefferson Nickel NGC MS66



My thought process on this coin was that it had MS67 5FS surfaces, but that the rim problem would prevent that grade. NGC usually doesn't penalize for rims like this so I thought they would net grade it to MS66+ 5FS.

As far as the steps go, the standard for the reverse of 38 is much different than that for the reverse of 40. Bridges and interrupting marks are allowed as long as the overall step detail is good, and the 5th step is complete under the 3rd pillar. To my eye, the 5th step is certainly complete, though there is a little weakness. I have had much worse 5th steps than this one come back with full steps. NGC did not agree with me.

Based on the current poll, 3 people guessed MS66: @ddddd @kSigSteve @derkerlegand Great job guys.

 

I confess I was indeed with you, thinking the steps were certainly full for the design. For some reason I voted 65, but I don’t know why - it’s obviously a 66.

 

I think we were thinking the same, and I was hoping the graders wouldn't be punitive for the rims which they weren't, but without the full steps, it doesn't much matter.

It is really difficult to grade based solely on oversized photos. Once the slab photos get posted, the coin starts to look much better. As for the steps, we can't win em all.

 

Still, another terrific Jefferson.

 

REVEAL #2: 1938-D Jefferson Nickel PCGS MS66FS




NGC Price Guide: $40
PCGS Price Guide: $140
Variance: -$100

When I got the coins back from NGC, I was ticked off to say the least, but I also felt despair because I was left with coins that nobody wants. This first coin is a great example. NGC can say the value of a 1938-D NGC MS66 is $40 but in reality, I would be lucky to get $20 for it. Nobody wants an MS66 when MS67s are so affordable. But a 1938-D PCGS MS66FS is a hot commodity, I sold it for $125 within a month of getting back from PCGS.