1948 S Jefferson

AU 55

For me it is a number of things:
First: the steps on the back are not full and both of the inner columns are slightly worn.
Second: the while the minor scratches are probably from being in the mint bag, there is one problem scratch over the O in Monticello on the reverse
Third: There is some wear on the high points on the obverse, most notably on the jaw, cheekbone, and temple.

If the wear had not been so severe on the columns, I would have probably gone 58 with it. Over all though it's a nice looking coin and it would definitely make a nice addition to any collection.

I think this coin could grade MS-64 or maybe a tad higher if there are no other contact marks. I think the patch of marks on the jaw and the columns were on the planchet and the coin was not stuck up enough to eliminate them. From my experience, it seems that these planchet marks don't really affect the grade all that much though they might in higher MS grades. When it comes to AU and MS coin, I use luster to try to determine if there is wear. If the coin is MS, marks will not cause it to not grade MS. Worse it will get MS details grade if the imperfections are too severe or a MS-60 if there are severe and/or numerous marks but are not enough to warrant the details grade.