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 Replies: 13 / Views: 471 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6495 Posts |
This one is an ebay pick sold as an uncirculated 1954-S Jefferson nickel. The tremendously crooked steps are visible above the NT of Monticello. Typical of 1954-S nickels, this is a VLDS++ where the dies have been run completely into the ground. Metal flow and PIDT is clearly evident. In hand, it has some pleasing woody toning, although it's not yet clear to me if that's alloy mix or roller lines. The lines are completely parallel front and back, which makes me lean towards roller lines. As usual, my first concern is whether the coin is truly BU. It has great luster, and I don't see contact scuffing. What I do see, unfortunately, is a big bang right on Jefferson's mouth, and two sizable knocks or scrapes above and below FIVE. I would not consider submitting this variety coin for grading, since the FS-801 does not break even below MS66. I would consider reselling it, as I now have three, but I want to be sure to accurately represent it on ebay.        |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I'll say MS-64, a real pancake.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
73978 Posts |
I agree, MS-64. Nice cherrypick!
Errers and Varietys.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6495 Posts |
 My copy of the ANA grading standards is still on its way to me, so perhaps you guys will indulge a question. That sizable knock on the mouth doesn't move this coin way down? I thought for sure you'd say MS-61 or MS-62. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
9158 Posts |
No hair detail and not too good on the rev I'm going AU58
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18657 Posts |
a couple comments on this one. first I can't comment on rollers or composition, I'm not versed well enough to determine that the mouth hit, one of three things could occur at a TPG. one option they have would be to net the grade down to match its value or their other option would be to details the coin. they could ignore the hit. I think the best choice is to net grade this one due to its location and the amount of the metal displacement. the marks on reverse above CENTS is an area of concern to me that points to possible circulation. I also see these marks on the collar, top of head and jaw. these areas could be compromised by the amount of glare in the photos. if you can't supply and photos without glare I have to go with AU58 or MS63. I'm leaning to the MS side at this time |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36724 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6495 Posts |
Panzaldi, I thought that a little glare was preferred for assessing luster and surface contact? I tried a couple on the kitchen counter, very indirect sunlight filtered through a paper towel, just the iPad with autofocus. Better?   Edit: these photos did capture the texture that I am seeing in the toning. Now that I see it like this, it looks a lot more like a woody than roller lines. Edited by Brandmeister
04/24/2024 1:06 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18657 Posts |
most individuals that have been grading a while can determine luster without have that much light.
the new photos are actually worse. out of focus and still too much glare. if you want to try again use your original setup but angle the coin slightly so we can see across the coin where the glare would be deflected and allow us to see those areas
the original photos are pretty good focus wise, we just can't see the high points of the devices well enough to determine if there is any signs of circulation.
my best advice is to evaluate the surfaces of the coin yourself. rotate it and look for dull areas where the luster may be gone. look closely at those areas I highlighted
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6495 Posts |
I tried taking a fresh set of images, but they basically turned out like the first ones. When I turn the coin in the light, I don't really see any scuffing. I can get it to show a faint dulling on those features (jaw, collar, top hair), but only at a very specific angle. I'm pretty sure that I have seen this before on other ebay purchases, particularly ones shipped from humid states. This nickel was stored in a cheap plastic flip. Do I need to soak this coin in pure acetone, or will that wreck the toning and/or resale value?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18657 Posts |
acetone might not do anything but it would not hurt. Quote:
I can get it to show a faint dulling on those features (jaw, collar, top hair), but only at a very specific angle. these are things that we may not be able to see in a photo. I still can't get a handle on AU or MS on this coin. the marks could be just from banging around with other coins. I do think that gash at the mouth has a good chance of detailing the coin though. they do look for metal displacement to call it damaged and not only that but its in a key area which is weighted more. |
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Valued Member
United States
78 Posts |
What does "details" mean from a TPG? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6495 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18657 Posts |
generally a DETAILS designation is applied to any coin that has some type of altering or damage. cleaning/PMD/scratches/corrosion etc. sometimes they assign just a alpha grade like VF details, sometimes they will give a numeric grade like VF30 details. PCGS will even assign the verbiage GENUINE rather than assign a grade or a DETAILS designation. for instance. they are all used to show something happened to the coin and the value of the coin would be affected. sometimes depending on the issue a TPG's will net grade a coin rather than apply a designation. keep in mind, at least PCGS grades a coin as to what they believe the value would be on the marketplace. doesn't seem right but thats what they do in a lot of cases |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 471 |
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Posted 04/23/2024 2:10 pm
