I recently purchased an MS65 1944-D Jefferson for the pretty band of rainbow toning on the obverse. When I received the coin, I examined the reverse and was surprised that the coin appeared to have 5FS. Whenever looking at a TPG graded coin that I disagree with, I search to find the reason why the graders gave the assigned grade. The only thing I can come up with is that maybe there is a tiny bridge under the second pillar between the 3rd and 4th step. Please look at the photos below and judge for yourself. Please vote in that attached poll with your opinion.
because it's not 5 consecutive steps? I'm not even sure how it works... but that's what it looks like to me.
The 5th an 6th steps are only about 25% complete, but the area under the 2nd pillar is the only thing I can find that would prohibit a 5FS designation. I have seen much worse awarded FS by both TPG's. I think they were a little hard on this coin. I voted 5FS.
ah, to me it looks like the 5th and 6th step have a "blob" right in the middle, taking up 50% or so. but that could just be the picture.
When sending a coin to NGC do you have to request the step designation on the form? Never done this, but I do know somethings like varieties require extra money. As it is I think this coin is nicer than the last one you posted(in my opinion). I can't see well enough to say for certain - but the bottom two appear to be merged from the picture. I really can not tell - so I will skip voting.
They will automatically assign a FS or 5FS designation if warranted. The bottom steps are defintely bridged and there is no way the coin qualifies for 6FS. The other steps look complete to me. Here is a larger photo of just the steps. From this photo, I now think the problem is under the 1st pillar between steps 1 and 2. Still, I think they were hard on the coin.
I don't have it in writing right here, but I have heard from a good source that NGC does take the side steps into account when doing a FS coin. Speedy
I did not know that. It would explain why they are much more conservative with the FS designation than PCGS though.
Well I was all set to agree with Paul and then Speedy steped in. I never even thought about those side steps. Time to go look at some on Heritage.
