I'd appreciate any info you have that might answer the following questions: a) why did the obverse star on the 1957 and 1958 Jeffersons get bigger? just fun at the mint or a new engraver with the wrong sized tools? b) where can one find a "real" sharper coin plated in 1883 and how much might it cost? I've seen a few modern copies, but these are obvious. c) if there are any nicks on the Jefferson steps that cross two or three steps, does this prevent it from being graded as FS? d) if a mark appears on the reverse in the same place in an entire role (an imprint, my son calls a "doggy door on Monticello"), is this a die error or some flotsam in the coin press?
There has never been any explanation for the larger star on those years. I have seen very high grade plated NC nickels and I have seen mid grade pieces that only had small amounts of plating in protected areas. There is no real way to prove that a coin was plated back in 1883, but I think the mid grade with traces are good candidates for having been originals. As to where to buy one, well they show up when they show up. Yes It could be either one
