Hello. This is an SMS SP70 nickel encased and graded by NGC. Please ANYONE share 'your' thoughts on this.....Does that look like 6 FULL steps? I 'want' to think so but I really don't know. (PERFECT name choice (lol)). The current owner sent me a picture that I enlarged, etc. but I still just can't tell. Maybe those of you more knowledgeable pertaining to this sort of thing would be able to...and share 'your' thoughts about it with me (and anyone else who is interested) Thank you
Yes, those steps are indeed full, however, specimens are quite almost always found with full steps, and I don't believe the TPGs assign the FS designation for that reason. Much the same reason they don't assign it to proofs.
There is a cut off year for the FS designation. Beyond that date the coin is expected to have full steps due to improved minting processes. the FS designation is also only for Business Strike coins. Again, those made by more specialized processes are expected to have full steps. A previous coin talk thread on the topic: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/th...erson-nickels-defined-photographically.49827/
It's only the 1994 Jefferson that has a designation for FS. I think that it has to do with missing frosting on the steps, well this is my thoughts only. As I have never read any explanation.
SMS coins do not receive a FS designation from any of the TPG’s. The process to mint them is different that minting business strikes, which receive the FS designation.
Yep, both 94 and 97 turned in 6 FS. I think at MS69, they are quite handsome. The two dollar bill in the set maybe gave it a nice purple hew. Love it.
