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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Lehigh96, post: 829473, member: 15309&quot;]Most collectors are aware of strike designations for certain series of coins.&nbsp; Here are a few examples:</p><p><br /></p><ul> <li>FB--Full Bands--Mercury Dimes</li> <li>FT--Full Torch--Roosevelt Dimes</li> <li>FH--Full Head--Standing Liberty Quarters</li> <li>FS--Full Steps--Jefferson Nickels</li> </ul><p>However, strike designations can be misleading.&nbsp; Although they indicate that the most difficult striking aspect of the coin is fully struck, it is not a guarantee of a fully struck coin.&nbsp; There are many examples of coins with strike designations that are weakly struck.&nbsp; The most common examples can be found within the Jefferson Nickel and Standing Liberty Quarter series.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><font size="5"><span style="color: Blue">Jefferson Nickels</span></font></p><p><br /></p><p>Here is a <b>1941-D Jefferson Nickel NGC MS67 6FS</b>.&nbsp; Notice that the step detail is incredible but strike weakness can be seen throughout the rest of the coin.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/ACPitBoss/Jefferson%20Nickels%20Full%20Steps/JeffersonNickel1941-DNGCMS676FS2018.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/ACPitBoss/Jefferson%20Nickels%20Full%20Steps/JeffersonNickel1941-DNGCMS676FS2-2.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>The windows and doors in Monticello are incomplete, the pillars are not distinct, the hair detail is weak, and the strike was insufficient to remove the planchet irregularities on Jefferson&#039;s jawline.&nbsp; Now compare it to this <b>1942-S Jefferson Nickel PCGS MS66 FS.</b></p><p><b><br /></b> </p><p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/ACPitBoss/Jefferson%20Nickels%20Full%20Steps/JeffersonNickel1942-SPCGSMS66FSHeri.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/ACPitBoss/Jefferson%20Nickels%20Full%20Steps/JeffersonNickel1942-SPCGSMS66FSReve.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>Although this coin only shows 5 full steps, the remainder of the coin is much better struck than the 1941-D and shows full details of the design.&nbsp; All doors and windows are visible, the pillars and other features of Monticello are distinct, all hair detail is present, and there is no remnants of any planchet flaws.&nbsp; Viewing the reverses side by side shows clearly the difference in the strike between the two coins.</p><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/ACPitBoss/Jefferson%20Nickels%20Full%20Steps/JeffersonNickel1941-DNGCMS676FS2-3.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><font size="5"><span style="color: Blue">Standing Liberty Quarters</span></font></p><p><br /></p><p>Now let us compare the obverse of a <b>1930-S NGC MS67 FH SLQ </b>and a <b>1930 NGC MS67 FH SLQ</b> with full details.&nbsp; <i>(Photo of 1930 SLQ courtesy of Heritage Auctions)</i></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o59/ACPitBoss/Standing%20Liberty%20Quarters/FHvsFDcompare.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p><br /></p><p>You can clearly see the difference in strike quality between the two coins.&nbsp; The 1930-S shows incomplete shield details including missing rivets, weak lettering, weak chainmail armor detail, blending of the robe details, and mushy stars.&nbsp; The 1930 is complete and strong in every aspect.&nbsp; Notice that even the details within the head are stronger on the 1930.&nbsp; The sprigs, hairline, and earhole are much better defined.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>When collecting coin series with strike designations, it is extremely important to evaluate the entire strike of the coin, not just the area defined as a problem by the TPG.&nbsp; I would have a hard time paying a premium for a strike designation that does not correlate to a strong strike.&nbsp; I imagine that many other collectors feel the same way.&nbsp; Collecting coins with strike designations without full details is a sure fire way to lose money when it comes time to sell.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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