1954-S Jefferson with Full Strike/Full Steps

Coppercolor

I know, I know, this post is useless without pictures. But I don't think MY pictures will help.

But I'm wondering how rare a full strike 54S Jefferson is? I found one last night. The strike was strong enought o give it five full steps, nice hair and pretty good definition on Monticello. What look like two planchet flaws or cuts diagonally in the steps prevent it from getting Full Step designation. And it's a mint set coin with the usual not-so-amazing color and luster. But are these rare enough that it might be of collector interest? And should I send it off just to get a PCGS MS64 or 65?

BTW it has what feels and looks like a wire rim, which is the diagnostic that old active member Ronyahski said to look out for on the 54-S Jeffs. He said he thought that a very few might have actually been struck twice and that this might have accounted for the very few full step jeffs out there with this date/mm.

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stephunter

Its definitely a tough coin with full steps. If the nicks are deep enough to get into the trough of the steps it would preclude it from the designation, but definitely a keeper.

OldEastside

The 54s is notorious for lacking steps and a decent strike,
so for anything out of the ordinary is desirable.
I blame the 54s Jeff for infecting me with the Full Step
virus/bug back in the 70's. Darn You 54s Darn You

Steve

Coppercolor

<< <i>The 54s is notorious for lacking steps and a decent strike,
so for anything out of the ordinary is desirable.
I blame the 54s Jeff for infecting me with the Full Step
virus/bug back in the 70's. Darn You 54s Darn You

Steve >>



Funny, and thank you both for your opinions.

I was trying to determine if it should go to PCGS with my next batch.

I didn't do very well with my last batch of Jeffersons submissions. What a tough area to collect in.... and PCGS seems extremely picky in assigning FS designation. And judging by my previously poor performance, I have a novice eye.

LanceNewmanOCC

<< <i>I know, I know, this post is useless without pictures. >>



the only thing i can think of worse than bad pictures is no pictures ><
.

Lehigh96

Full Step 1954-S Jefferson Nickels are exceedingly rare and are valuable in any grade. IIRC, there are only about 25 in existence. I don't have access to PCGS pop reports. But if there is an obvious interruption in the steps (for whatever reason), the coin will not get the designation. If your coin has a full strike and almost full steps, I imagine it will drive a small premium to the price guide price for the grade, but if your coin is not premium gem I don't think it would be worth having it graded. Sounds like a great album coin though. I know I would be interested in upgrading my 54-S album coin.



I like the overall strike on my coin, but it has no steps at all.