How tuff are the 2002D full step Jeffersons in MS66FS+?

NIckelCollector

According to the latest PCGS pop report only 34 2002D MS65FS have been graded with only 3 higher, all in MS66FS.

Compare this to the 2002P in MS65FS - 54 , MS66FS - 76 and MS67FS - 16. Many of the D mint sets I have examined contained Jeffersons that probably would not grade higher than MS63FS.

Is this coin really that tuff in high grade full steps?

wondercoin

Frank: I mentioned on another thread recently about this date, as well as advised my Jefferson Nickel customer base - this coin appears, at this time, to be a real "sleeper" in MS67FS. No different than the 2000(d) in MS67FS (pop 1) except perhaps even tougher!! Good news is most people think this coin is WORTHLESS, so we have a chance to land one or two before everyone figures it out Wondercoin

Cocoinut

The demand for new coins has been low for the past year or more. There was an article in Coin World a couple of months back about the glut of coins that had developed. A lot of new coins are sitting in mint or FRB vaults until they're needed, so there are surely MS66=67 coins that may not see the light of day for months or years. I live in the Denver area, and have yet to find a 2002 cent or dime from either mint in circulation. I received my first 2002-D nickel a couple of weeks ago from a freshly opened roll. It's got full steps and great luster, but enough marks to keep it to a 65 at best. Does anyone live in an area where 2002 coins are plentiful?

Jim