From what I’ve seen the TPGs don’t like to gem when the dies are that messed up. I’ve seen that quite a lot, actually. I can’t say if it’s policy but I’ve seen quite a few technical gems not make it past MS64, and that’s why I think it. It’s an interesting question you raise, though, because it does relate to eye appeal (market) grading. But then, these late stage dies, when they’re in MS, reflect better than anything, which relates to eye appeal, too, so go figure.
Went with 63 and no FS. On the good/interesting points from Razz, didn't/doesn't make sense to me either...the "count 4 and add 1," etc. thing someone mentioned. But what are we/they actually counting...? In fact and indeed what IS a step, or a step "line" to count...is it the recessed "lines" in-between that appear dark, or is it the raised "lines" of nickel color, if you know what I mean...? In this case, starting out on the left in these photos, I count 5 recessed/dark lines and 5 raised/nickel lines if you count the top raised "step" being the floor or foundation "step" that the columns rest on. There is what I'll call a small partial "step" visible starting on the very top-left, above the first full raised foundation step but it quickly blends in to that first top/raised step line. I did not count that...not sure what that was/is. To me, neither of the sets of "lines" as defined makes it all the way across unbroken. If you see a different count...or in your opinion they somehow do make it all the way unbroken...and/or you subscribe to the 4+1 or 5+1 theory...and you may, with any/all of these scenarios...THIS is what the experienced but still-fallible human beings of TPG 's must interpret daily, time and again...to different and inconsistent ends/results, one coin to another...and it's what's WRONG such subjectivity without more clear and concise definitions if we are to continue down this road. My op...and everybody has one.
MS 65 5fs...I might have penalized it too harshly for the die polish lines (but I thought the graders might have done the same)
Lots of people got this one right. It is funny, I submitted an 82-P, 83-P, and 83-D expecting all to get gem grades and five full steps. This coin, the 82-P was the strongest steps of the group and didn't get full steps, while the other two did.
Another grader did the other two while the original one went for coffee, LOL Go figure, sometimes their is a lack of consistency and can be frustrating
People grade every date/mm, but there were no mint sets in 1982 & 1983, so gem grade full step examples from those years are very valuable. NGC Price Guides: 1982-P MS65 5FS $90 1982-P MS66 5FS $300 1982-D MS65 5FS $75 1982-D MS66 5FS $235 1983-P MS65 5FS $400 1983-P MS66 5FS $625 1983-D MS65 5FS $100 1983-D MS66 5FS $325