Jefferson Grades Back - Ouch!

Sn3nut

I took a chance and picked up four proof nickels on a recent Teletrade auction at $12 each (70-S, 72-S, 73-S, and 74-S.) All four were in ICG slabs graded as PF70DCAMs (I think that is the only grade ICG gives on modern proofs.) I broke them out of the ICG holders and sent them in as raw coins. The fifth nickel was broken out of a 1971 proof set. I figured that if one or two made the PR69DCAM mark, I would easily recoup my purchase price, shipping charges and grading fees. And, if the 70 or 71 made the grade, I might even get a coveted “YOU SUCK” award! In case you are wondering, just check on what these babies are going for now in PR69DCAM.

Yesterday, I got the grading results back. All five nickels were given the PR68CA designation. Talk about a bubble-bursting slap back to reality! Oh well … I guess they will make good gifts for YN’s. If there is any good news to report, it’s that PCGS received the coins on 9/03 and turned them around in 25 days (Economy Service.)

earlwbollinger

I had just gotten the grades back on a few 2004 nickels I turned in, I thought they'd be at least MS65 or MS66, but they came back MS64 instead. I'll just have to look more carefully next time. I guess those Keel boat nickels have to be really really perfect to get better than MS64.

kieferscoins

Thats too bad When you got them did you think they looked DCAM or just hoped it would be only one grade lower than ICG's grade?

Cameron Kiefer

drainbamage

Don't sweat it. It happens to us all. Choke it down and keep trucking.

ER

Where have you been, braindamage?

Sn3nut

I honestly thought they were DCAMs and had a good shot at PR 69's. I compared them side-by-side with a couple of PCGS PR 69 DCAMs (68-S and 69-S) I already had slabbed a few years back. To my eye (obviously not very good this time around), they actually looked better. Maybe the grading standards are getting a bit tighter, or -- more likely -- my eyes are just getting worse.

keets

"Taking a Chance" rarely pays off as well as studying a series and learning how to grade. the reason some of the early 70's Jeffersons have low PR69DCAM pops is apparent if you follow that strategy. assuming anything as you did is only begging for dissappointment. in that regard, you succeeded.

al h.

coppercoins

I heard the results from another person who submits Jeffersons regularly and sent in 20 coins hoping to full step a few of them if not most of them. None were graded FS. I'm guessing they're clinching the knot on Jeffersons for the time being.

seanq

Terrific. I guess I'll put that stack of Jeffs and the four-coin 'service upgrade' coupon back in storage for a few months...


Sean Reynolds