Jefferson experts: How can you determine if a pre 1970 Jeff is MS with a weak strike or AU with ligh

SanctionII

I have been looking at 1938-1970 Jeffersons I have (singles and in albums) and can not determine if some coins are MS with weak strikes, or are MS coins struck from worn out dies, or are AU coins with light wear.

Sometimes I look at the coins and think AU. Other times I look at them and think MS (but with weak strikes or struck from worn out dies).

So in this thread I am asking for Jefferson experts to provide me with smoe free edumacation.

Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks, SanctionII.

SanctionII

TTT.

Anyone?

cladking

As with any coin it can sometimes be difficult. Jeffersons can be tougher than most since so many are poorly struck.

Look at the high points of the deging. Tip it sideways with a light opposite. Start with a well-struck piece of the date so you know where the high points are supposed to be. Now compare the colors and textures of these high points on the suspect coins. Most attention has to be paid to the highest point (especially the obverse), but see how these areas compare. Wear tends to be grayer and flatter while strike tends to still have definition and is more likely to match the lower high points.

Sometimes it's just a judgement call but usually you really can tell with a little practice.