Can an SP70 Jefferson not be Full Steps? - Submission update.

How can a Jefferson nickel graded by PCGS as SP70 not be full steps?
Did PCGS just not note it on the label?
If it isn't full steps, then how can it be a 70?
The impossible just takes longer.
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Is it a year with steps? Do they even give FS to Specials because they don't on Proofs.
They were included in the Coin and Chronicles sets of 1994 and 1997.
Price guide has listings for SP70 and SP70FS
Huh, I'm not familiar - I'll let another forum member take lead on this one.
Typically, the various designations are treated separately from numerical grades. However, particularly at the higher grade levels, strike can play a role in the grade. So if it’s a date that’s known to exist with full steps, I’d think that an example lacking in that area might not merit a grade of 70.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I don't know if you're keeping the date a secret, that could help with feedback here. I will presume that it's a 1994-P and I will take a guess. it seems that PCGS changed from designating the SMS coins as "MS" to "SP" several years ago and apparently they designate the 1994-P SMS without the "FS" descriptor, yet they use it for the 1997-P SMS. check CoinFacts images.
For the 1994-P Jefferson, a coin graded as SP70 ("a flawless example") would have to be full steps.
In my reasoning, a nickel that does not receive the full step attribute means there is some flaw in the steps (nick/bridge/cut) and therefore would not receive a 70 grade.
It would be logical, that a grade of 70 would have to be FS....If not, I would like an explanation of why it received the 70. Cheers, RickO
A coin that is weakly struck would not have full steps, but could still be perfect
Explanation: The coin is of MS70 quality, as made. The lack of full steps is not the result of any flaws.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
In my reasoning
well, since you seem resistant to any logical explanation after you've asked for same, perhaps you should just call PCGS Customer Service. they should be able to tell you what you might not like to hear.
@MFeld... Hi Mark, Thanks for the input.... That makes it clear... If the lack of full steps is not the result of flaws, it can be a 70. Cheers, RickO
Coin update...I just received the 1994-P with the grade of SP70. There is no doubt that it has 6 full steps. I will be sending it in for Reconsideration upgrade for suffix (FS).

Mechanical error? It just wasn't typed in when the label was printed.
No - you can't EVER get a 70 without a full strike - it literally is in the definition. heck when I use to grade and get MS70's from AGE's and SAE's not only had the coin needed to be perfect it needed to have a WOW in your face, and even then I could only muster like a 75% at best MS70 submission. 100% never would a Jefferson not be a full step and be graded at 70. BTW - I own the sole graded MS69 pre 1970 Jefferson. It is way over graded I would not even give it a 67+
mark - you can just say "No"
it may seem odd considering you just received the coveted 70 grade but it looks like there is something over a fair bit of the reverse of your coin and i'm not sure how that will affect it long-term. just fyi.
i don't know if these nics were prone to odd rinsing/washing like some ASE and Lincs have been prone to over the modern years or if it is from the cello that the coin was once ensconced within?
i'm really only posting for posterity on this point and you may or may not already know.
i just looked at the jefferson pops and for MS i saw 0 MS70, 0 MS69. (seems like i did this in the past couple months for another thread ironically. ah yes, the any modern coin in ms 69 or 70 thread. something like that.
For PR, i saw no FS designations. i presume under the auspices that all PR jefferson nickels that are not damaged, impaired or otherwise are FS without exception?
SP/SMS have 70s only in 94, 97, 05.
the 94 is known to be MS70 with and w/o FS a lot!
How about coins that are 70FS but aren't designated as so due to minor ticks/bumps etc where they are techincally and w/o question FS but have super minor microscopic hits like jeffies and mercs are prone to?
"Can an SP70 Jefferson not be Full Steps?"
yes. there are jeffersno nickels w/o monticello on the back.
- just posted that to be feisty.
Is it my monitor or am I seeing scuffings on the holder? You just received this......right?
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
I purchased it at auction. From what I can tell, the holder is circa 2015 without QR code.
My simple answer is no. To me a 70 is perfect in every respect. If it has perfect preservation but falls short on the strike, it's a 69 or even less if there are major strike issues.
Here's an example how these coins can be misgraded or worse mislabeled. I brought it up with the seller and he promptly ended the sale.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-P-Jefferson-Nickel-ANACS-MS68FS-/193598832896?ul_noapp=true&nma=true&si=CIAmxwv8nwPJUY%2B%2FpZrdKtvwhFI%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
I agree, I always thought strike was a component of the grade. If not, then every coin at the precise moment it leaves the die would be an MS 70.
Update - I sent in the 1994 SP70 coin for suffix reconsider and I was awarded with an SP70FS grade.
Years ago I had one graded and saw the grade on-line as 70 but no FS designation, I called PCGS and it was reviewed and given FS designation before it was shipped. Kudos (again) to their customer service.