1963-D Lincoln Memorial Full Steps?

Coppernicus

This may be totally wacky, but there was a thread on this board recently where everybody was talking about the lack of high-grade 63-D's. After looking through more than 40 OBW rolls of these I noticed that the obverse was really nice (on average), but the reverse (on average) was horrible. The strike was weak through the middle of the reverse and the steps to the Lincoln Memorial were poorly defined. For comparison, I looked at a roll of 73's and the steps were very well defined.

Could this possibly be a new grading standard? 1963-D FS? It looks like a possible rareity to me! Any thoughts from you Memorial folks?

Coppernicus

dldallen

Please - Don't give PCGS any ideas on more standards for Lincolns!

Seriously, I think you may notice that the obverse of the '63-D is on average nicer than the reverse. However, compare the obverse to other better dates in the series and you'll see that the '63-D obverse is typically baggy and weakly struck. IF you can find them mark-free, the strike and lack of any luster still drag down the grade. Also remember, the coin is mostly graded on the obverse - the reverse can only maintain that grade or bring it down farther.

My current '63-D MS65RD actually has everything going for it on the reverse. Full steps, relatively good detail, and mark free - it's the obverse which just sits there like the blob that it is. There is no definition in the hair and very little along the outline of the portrait or the clothes. What may really be whacky is to grade the '63-Ds amongst themselves instead of using the overall standards. The '62-D's are only marginally better.

Good topic though - thanks! Dave