Why Don't Lincoln Memorials Get The Full Steps Designation?

IMHO, the Memorial series, for the most part, are the worst quality coins the mint has ever produced. The vast majority of BU examples are MS-60 to MS-63 and exhibt mid to late die state. They are also plagued with spots and dings due to poor handling. Even coins included with mint sets fall into this grade range. In fact, I have most of the Memorial series cut from mint sets in my collection and the non-mint set examples I have are usually higher in quality....there's almost no hope!


Over my years as a Lincoln collector I've worked very, very hard on my Memorial collection. I seek MS-65+ coins with an EDS. My eyes have gone crossed after hours upon hours of searching BU rolls, coin shops and coin shows.

Individual Memorials are nearly impossible to purchase over the internet unless they come from a very trusted and selective source. They require very close inspection! Not to mention, the book values are so low that sellers don't even bother with them. This is the same at dealers stores and coin shows. There's NO LOVE for the Memorial cents!

One the biggest things I look for on a Memorial is the quality of the steps. For the life of me, I can't figure out why next to nobody ever mentions the steps! Why isn't there a "full steps" designation applied to Memorials in the same fashion as the Jefferson nickel? All of the TPG's should add this designation to their holders!

The steps provide important clues as to the dies state and strike of the coin. They are the finest detail on the coin (except for the 1980's series) and the first area to show problems. When I look at a Memorial cent, it's the FIRST place I look. If the steps aren't at least 95% detailed and free of hits, the coin is worthless to me. I absolutely love seeing one that has perfect, flawless steps that are hit-free!