Full Step Jefferson or Not to be?

Im not a professional at collecting coins but at times I like to try to expand on my knowledge, with that being said I would like to ask the pros such as @Lehigh96 if this is a 1971-D FS or not? It is raw and I have no idea how to grade coins so any information would be appreciated.

 

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I would say yes but I am concerned about the mark on the left side. Not worth grading if that's what your thinking.

 

How many steps do you see: 5 or 6?
Do any marks cut across the lines?

That will answer your own question.

 

I'm seeing a slam to the bottom step. The orange peel effect and missing reverse design elements below the dome are all take away's. No to slabbing for sure. This was from a deteriorated die that saw some heavy polishing.

 

tommyc03, posted: I'm seeing a slam to the bottom step."

What is a "slam." What is the bottom step?

"The orange peel effect and missing reverse design elements below the dome are all take away's."

What do these characteristics have to do with the number of steps?

 

There is a shallow mark below the first pillar that doesn’t seem to break steps but it is concerning enough that if I was considering submission, it would certainly make me choose PCGS over NGC. NGC’s requirements for 5FS are so strict that they might not grade the coin 5FS, but PCGS would absolutely call this coin FS.

The larger problem with this coin isn’t the steps or even the grade, it is that the 71-D, even in MS66 FS is still only worth a little more than the grading fee. So if you are working on a registry set and are interested in making a “homemade” I say go for it. If you are looking to make a profit, I don’t see much opportunity.

 

The section between the two middle columns on the bottom step is missing virtually the entire step.

No on FS IMO

 

Thank you all, I was not inquiring for grading purposes or selling purposes I was just curious to know if it is a full steps or not.

 

I should have been more specific. The "slam" should have been a "hit" or a weak strike. I only mentioned the missing design elements as it takes away from eye appeal overall and was caused by over polishing of the die but I'm not well versed enough to say if it has anything to do with the bottom steps. I really do not know how to answer any better than that.

 

Thank you for the information, I appreciate everything you said, regardless to being versed or not

 

masterswimmer, posted: "The section between the two middle columns on the bottom step is missing virtually the entire step. No on FS IMO."

A long time ago this was considered to be a FS nickel. Then, "they" made a distinction so that 5, 5 1/2, and 6 were noted. It has settled to become either 5S or 6S. That made the OP's coin a 5S coin.

Now, as for cuts across the steps...this is still often a difference of opinion. Some say the mark on the left does not cut deep enough into the design to eliminate the FS designation. I personally don't allow any marks on the steps.

 

I'm always looking to learn "new" descriptive terms. I didn't know if the "slam" was the missing bottom step or the disqualifying (IMO) hit on the left.

 

Thanks for elaborating on that. I've always thought that 'they' have way too much power over us.

 

The design has 6 steps, and you have correctly determined that almost the entire 6th step is incomplete. However, the TPGs only require 5 full steps to garner the FS designation.

Ps, looks like @Insider already took care of this, please ignore

 

Lehigh96, posted: "The design has 6 steps, and you have correctly determined that almost the entire 6th step is incomplete. However, the TPGs only require 5 full steps to garner the FS designation."

NGC and ICG use either 5S or 6S. The words "Full Steps" are no longer used. Perhaps some member can let us know what the other two services do.

 

I have a feeling we’ll be told that PCGS is doing a better job grading FS Jeffersons :-D

 

Gonzo, you are no slouch as a photographer! I look forward to seeing more of your work.

 

Oh wow, well thank you for the compliment. It’s taken me quite some time and a lot of work with members here to get to where I can comfortably take pictures. There is however much more to learn. Again thank you for the nice compliment @ksparrow

 

OP, you may want to take the active green corrosion product at the back of the neck off the coin. It will leave a black spot that also should be removed.

 

Any recommendations on how to do this? @Insider