Please guess the grade of the 1943-P Jefferson Nickel shown below. I have attached a poll for you to cast your vote and you may select up to 2 different things: the numerical grade, and Full Steps or NOT. As always, comments welcome, and please remember to vote in the poll.
63 no FS. Those marks on the obverse may be just a few bag marks, but I have a feeling that the TPG wasn't feeling generous.
65+ Not FS. Gash over the lower steps under column 3. Also a few scattered marks on the obverse and a hit on the chin. Reverse has what looks like a hit or lamination to the right of P. I’m thinking it’s a solid 65 with great luster, weaker strike, and a few noticeable contact marks. I think it’s high end of grade which is why I gave it the +.
The fields on the obverse are pretty. Even with the dings on the reverse I think I would give it a 67. A deep bag mark on the steps would probably rule out a 5fs.
Not a nickel guy really. I would say 65 or 65+ is not out of line. All of these No FS comments bother me a little. Sure, there is a couple of dings across the steps, but that is after the coin was struck, no? The coin was struck well, and as struck it had 5 FS, so I would say in terms of FS it should get the designation. If they disallow this nice coin from FS, then they are not REALLY measuring the die and strike anymore, right? I understand if wear were involved, but not a bag ding.
I am thinking I should have said 65. I went MS66 no FS. Those two marks to the right of the MM are bothering me. Otherwise I think it is a clean Jeff.
Reveal: DGS MS64 I have been searching quite a while to find a DGS graded Jefferson Nickel. For anyone who doesn't know, DGS was founded by David Lawrence (2008 IIRC) who bought the defunct PCI leftover slab inventory. They were very conservative in their grading and they didn't last very long. As for the coin, it presents as a typical MS65, but I think that the large scrape in the upper reverse field is certainly reason enough to prevent an overall gem grade. And while the overall step detail is excellent, the large marks certainly disrupt the continuity of the lines, thereby precluding a FS designation. All in all, an attractive, accurately graded, and very affordable ($5) addition to my collection.
I gave it the benefit of doubt with a 66 but said not FS (gash under third column). I see that DGS was fairly conservative. Congrats on finally finding an example of that slab!
