I've been working on a Jefferson nickel set for a few months now.. I bought 1964- current as a lot in mint cellos and have been tracking the rest down individually from local coin shops and shows. Well, I finally found a nice 42 D worthy of my dansko. Damn near full steps IMO, what's everyone else think? Hope I didn't pay too much.
That is one well struck piece......a few distractions on Toms cheek and jaw but overall, a beauty indeed.
I posted this on a different Nickel thread earlier today to try and get opinions on grading, but your 42-D looks similar to my 49-D a bit as far as toning, etc. ...could anyone tell me if these are FS? Thanks! 1949-D, ungraded.
The 42D in the OP is an attractive coin. I'd probably grade it 64, based on the marks on the cheek, and the spotting on the reverse. I don't think it has the eye appeal for a 65. Unfortunately, the diagonal mark under the third column precludes (or should preclude) the FS designation. There can be no marks which interrupt the steps.
The 49D posted by Jupiter is either AU-58 or MS-64. The long scratch in his hair precludes any higher grade. The fingerprints on the reverse are making me lean towards AU - but if it is UNC, fingerprints of that size prevent a 65 grade (in my opinion). This coin is not FS, because of weakness on the 3rd step under the second column, and weakness under the 4ths step under the third column. This bridging will definitely prevent the FS designation.
Physics-fan, WOW what a great feedback on my 49-D This one was probably my best chance at FS. I haven't taken photos yet of my other ones that may be close to FS (a 1950-D and 1972-D, and then I just have a cool looking 1954 (that's stripey or has a lamination error). I wouldn't have seen the fingerprint areas on the 49-D reverse either without you pointing it out. I think I just assumed it was toning but now I'm seeing what you're saying. I'm new at this after receiving a bunch of coins from my dad's collection and constantly learning. I do have to admit though, I'm already attached to several of my coins after hours of research If you're on here again feel like taking a look at my other Jefferson (1939) that I currently have pics of, I posted it here on this thread earlier today: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/post-your-nickels.200787/page-44#post-2241905 I posted it with the 49-D, but the 1939 I'm fonder of even though I know it won't qualify for the steps. I just love the building details on it for being so well preserved for the age, and it even shows some side steps. Just curious as to what your opinion would be on the grade? Also, on grading Jefferson Nickels, can the grades only go so high for non-FS coins? I'm curious to know if the top grades may be reserved for those with FS? Again, thank you for taking the time to share your expertise & a shout out to UnCommonCents for sharing their thread with me
