This thread will be a slight variation of my usual GTG threads. I will post two coins below, and I would like each of you to pick the coin that you like better. Once you have done that I would like you to grade each coin and vote in the attached poll. Since the poll only has 10 options, I will be limited in the number of grades I can offer for each coin. Both coins graded problem free, are mint state, and have one of the 3 grades that I have posted in the poll. To recap, you should be voting on 5 different things listed below. Which coin do you like better? Coin #1 grade Coin #1 Full Steps (only vote if you think it is FS) Coin #2 grade Coin #2 Full Steps (only vote if you think it is FS) Coin #1: NGC Submission Coin #2: PCGS Submission As always, comments welcome, and please remember to vote in the attached poll.
Very easy choice - your NGC submission is certainly the nicer coin. The die wear striations on the PCGS are a turn off for me. I put MS66 5FS for the NGC coin... and 65 for the PCGS.
I like the NGC one best also . I Have have the #1 as a MS-66 and #2 as MS-65 . I don't do steps if at all possible because I walk with a Cane.
First person to get both grades correct gets a full step bu Jefferson Nickel from the year of my choosing. Answers must be made in comments, not just in the poll.
Sorry I missed this thread. I like the obverse on #1 but that black spot on the reverse made me cringe. The reverse on #2 is from a worn die but they both look 66 to me. #1 is FS but not the second one, at least to me.
I prefer the first as the strike is sharper (especially on the reverse; second looks "mushier") 1) MS 66 FS ....5 steps are fairly clear with one minor tick that isn't enough to disturb the designation.... the hit slightly below the nose is the one distracting area and is what kept it out of a 67 holder 2) MS 66 FS....5 steps are less obvious (some areas seem like they almost blend together) but I think it still makes FS....there are no ticks/hits as obvious as on the 1st but the reverse keeps this one at the same 66 grade as the first coin (and I'd call it a lower end 66 compared to the NGC coin)
The first coin is MS65 5FS (I think the hit on the cheek limits it to a 65), the second is just MS66. For the second coin, I would call the steps 5-5-4-5. I prefer the look of the second coin. To me eye, it's cleaner.
For the second coin, that third column is where I was iffy too and I'd lean towards your grade. However, I think PCGS let it slide and gave the FS.
I was really on the fence about it as PCGS is more loose with the FS. My rule is, when in doubt go with my first instinct...and my first instinct was no FS.
I readily admit that I don't keep up with the TPG standards, so I'm usually off on my guesses, but that being said, I gave both an MS65, although I would give #2 a +, and no to full steps on either one, but then I think I'm stricter than the TPG on that.
Coin 1 is MS 67 FS. A very clean coin, that is registry quality. High luster, and clean surfaces, Coin 2 is MS 66. Nice coin, but the reverse is less clean. Close to FS, but not quite—I see a break in the center, and extreme right.