G’Morning, I’m wondering if its possible and the best way to go about building a Jefferson Full Step set and the best places to perhaps acquire some of these and if anyone thinks they can be acquired in nice condition from going to say banks buying rolls to get some of these. Also, what are some good books on grading might be.. Thanks in advance.
Good morning, Yes, it is possible to build a full 5 step collection. I have seen a few offered for sale over the years. Some of them aren't cheap, by any means, and paying hundreds, and in some cases thousands of dollars for a single high grade example, is to be expected. The 1953-S and 1954-S, as well as the issues from the 1960's can really hurt a fellow's billfold. You might want to join up with these folks, and learn all you can, before you get too serious about this. LINK Also, read all the related info in Jason Taylor's website. LINK I believe it's very important to establish a good relationship with as many dealers as you can. Find out who you can trust to buy from. Many will gladly accept your "want lists", and call you when the material becomes available. Just wanted to add this one for laughs. LINK Oh yeh, the issues from 1987-present are pretty easy to find at the bank. You might be able to get those at face value by searching rolls. Good luck, Jody
Wow, Thanks for the information and the associated links.. I will definetely do some reading. I suppose I should have mentioned the FS types I was going to try or are from the mordern side.. 65 onward.. I can imagine the earlier ones would be way off My price range... Definetely thank you for the info....
You're welcome. Unfortunately, the full step availability doesn't get any easier from 1965-1970. The '65,'66 and '67 are not easy as business strikes. You can substitute Special Mint Set coins, however, to cut your costs. The '68-D, 68-S, 69-S, 70-D, 70-S and '76 are all pretty expensive. The 1969-D proves to be the stopper for many full step collectors. It is the King of the series, and could easily be called a "rare" coin. Be prepared to pay dearly for that one.
~~Laughs.. okies.. I guess I will just try for the moderns in FS. Ive been looking at the PCGS pages on these and your right.. the 70's and back are WAY up there for FS.. Im definetely in no hurry.. and will just go with what I can find/buy/aquire..~~(More importantly) AFFORD ~~~ Thanks again..
Oh, I knew I missed a question..~~ I have a small 5x magnifier at present..is there something stronger or better to use to compare the step layout for determining approx # of steps. If I decide to send some for grading I want to make sure I'm sending what I am expecting to see grade returned. Im using the Variety Nickel web site for very nice close-up comparisions.. ~thanks..
I use a 14x jewlers loupe for picking out fine details. You might want to look at several types, and decide what works best for you. I've never felt like I needed to pay someone else to tell me something that I already know. I can tell a full step nickel from a non-full step one. Not that it matters to me, because I don't collect based on that criteria. If I like a coin and it holds interest for me, I will add it to my collection. Other people's opinions of my coins don't concern me. If you choose to follow the MS mania, then you should be aware that it will cost you. Your other alternative is to educate yourself and buy the same coins at a fraction of the price. Good luck.
rev1779, If I may add one thing, assembling sets based on criterea can lead one to start thinking registry sets. So be careful out there
I hope you have a lot of money because some of those coins are VERY pricey.... Good Luck trying to get the set done. Go PCGS registry all the way.... Thanks, -Greg
Well, after looking around a good bit so far.. I believe I will just try to some higher grade Unc's and Proofs.. if I manage a FS or 2 then fine.. otherwise I will just try to put together a nice set of Jefferson nickles overall...~~
That's what I did. Well, actually I've put together a few of them. You'll still probably wind up getting some full step coins, though. Some of the older issues aren't hard to come by with full steps, and you might be able to pick one up at a good price. Good luck, and let us know how your collection is coming along.
