1971 D Nickel.how Did Ncg Grade It?

Interesting idea @jfeed - and I commend your idea to solicit all our views.

Alas - I can't tell what is splatter or damage on the NGC holder versus what is on the coin. So MS-something on the coin.

I do not give this a FS designation - to my eye the big cut across the top three steps at the base of the 3rd column is the deal breaker.

A lovely coin - I look forward to your NGC grade reveal.

Possible the coin degraded in the holder. Those splatters are unfortunate and if on the coin and developed after grading then it's hard to say if NGC got the grade right.

I could see NGC still giving this an FS with what's under the third column. There is another mark under the first column too.

I say that NGC gave this an MS65 5 FS but I would not except it as an FS coin. With the damage now in condition I would also send this coin back as it is detailed IMO.

I would bet PCGS would give this coin an MS64 without the splatters and that's where I'm at. No FS.

The second set of photos look better. I am finding that grading modern Jefferson's is very subjective from year to year. I am working on the 60's and 70's now and there seems to be much more tolerance for die related issues and bag marks for these decades.

Your obverse strike quality is really strong. The reverse looks really good too strike wise. Based on the new photos you posted I would be happy with the MS65. It's a really nice example for a seventies Jefferson.

FS - well, I'm not surprised NGC gave it. The strike is so strong that they forgave the bag marks. I'm just a purest and would try and find one without them. That being said, the price would be much higher than $19!!! Probably double or higher without the bag marks on the stairs.