How would you grade this coin? Opinions anyone?

leothelyon

Keep in mind pcgs's following grading standards;
MS-64
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "64" (the numerical designation of that grade). This grade is also called "Borderline Gem" at times, as well as "Very Choice BU." There will be no more than a couple of significant marks or, possibly, a number of light abrasions. The overall visual impact of the coin will be positive. The strike will range from average to full and the luster breaks will be minimal.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-65
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "65" (the numerical designation of that grade). This grade is also called "Gem" or "Gem Mint State" or "Gem BU." There may be scattered marks, hairlines or other defects, but they will be minor. Any spots on copper coins will also be minor. The coin must be well struck with positive (average or better) eye appeal. This is a NICE coin!
See Also -- Mint State Gem Gem BU

What's your answer?

Thanks, Leo

Russ

PCGS graded it MS65. Not getting enough action in your bash thread over at sleepy hollow?

Russ, NCNE

coinkat

I am not sure from the scan. I would look closely at the steps because this is a toughie with Full Steps. Perhaps 64 with a shot a FS. It looks as if it was graded already... The 54 just does not come that nice and your example looks much better than most.

Edited to add: I guess I really am blind because I am having trouble seeing the S on the scan.

RELLA

65.5...maybe a bit better.

Strong 5+ steps.

Very nice eye appeal.



What is your opinion, and have you seen the coin in person and had an opportunity to grade it or is your opinion based on an image?

RELLA

melikecoins

MS64 Lack of detail (the star on the obverse looks like a dot)
Marks look deep enough for MS64 also.
Not bad color for a 54

Glen

Russ

<< <i>What is your opinion >>



Rella,

You can read his opinion here.

Russ, NCNE

MFH

Looks MS 64 to me. The image doesn't show FS, but ... its a very nice 1954 none the less.

joecool

RELLA

Russ,



<< <i>You can read his opinion here. >>

Actually, I'm psychic...I already know what his opinion of this coin is.

In fact, I'll bet you're psychic too! I bet you already know what his answer to the second half of my question is!

RELLA

leothelyon

Coinkat,
No, this is not my coin. Because of the eroded obverse die, this coin should not have been graded. Coins with poor strikes like this one are referred to as "misnomers". The only reason why this coin has full steps is due to the worn and flat obverse die. Because the obverse lacks the details of a fully strucked coin, the metal flow during the striking process moves into other areas of the coin. In this case, the metal flow moved into the step area of the Monticello building. Normally, on fully strucked coins, the high relief cheek and jawbone on Jefferson's profile prevents the metal flow from reaching the steps resulting in fewer gem examples for years like the 53-S and 54-S. This coin is not a Gem BU MS65 example as pcgs has graded it. Yes, the MM is poorly strucked just like the obverse.
Here's a picture of my 1954-S, it also has a weak obverse strike but graded accurately MS64 by ANACS.



Leo

A lot of people here just sitting on their hands, unbelieveable!

MJPHELAN

I have the twin to that 54-S with the weak mint mark. PCGS graded it 64. I thought it had a shot at FS but no go despite two tries.

Mark

coinkat

The ANACS 1954-s which is graded MS64 that you have is well struck for the date. Your brief description of the problems associated with Jeffersons seems accurate. I have a 1952-s that has a similar issue but it remains raw. I did submit a 1953-s recently to ANACS knowing that it had no chance at FS, but the coin looked well struck with nice lustre, decent color and a fairly strong Monticello and it was graded MS65.

The issue that I have with this series is that Full Steps may not the best designation to describe the true character of the strike. I would rather have a decent Monticello with detail that misses Full Steps than the 1952-s I have that may be full steps but the rest of Monticello clearly is incomplete. Perhaps a Full Monticello designation would be a better measure and a more accurate way to describe the reverse. I know that change will never happen and I can live with that. Good luck finding other tough dates with Full Steps.

NIckelCollector

Leo:

I grade this coin 64 obverse and 66 reverse, maybe net 65. The obverse dies are definitely worn. It is not clear if the steps are full from the picture. There is possible weakness under the third pilar.

The reserve puts this coin over $9000 with the buyers premium - way too high for this particular coin.

Frank

leothelyon

<< <i>Leo:

I grade this coin 64 obverse and 66 reverse, maybe net 65. The obverse dies are definitely worn. It is not clear if the steps are full from the picture. There is possible weakness under the third pilar.

The reserve puts this coin over $9000 with the buyers premium - way too high for this particular coin.

Frank >>



Hi Frank
But it's small change for a registry point! lol

Leo