PCGS variety attribution question for a no S proof nickel
safari_dude
Posts: 212 ✭✭✭
I just received my 1971 no S proof nickel back from PCGS. It was attributed as an FS-501. Just what does that mean? The population is 5 with none higher….although there are quite a few higher without this attribution. Any help here? The PCGS app doesn’t describe this so I was wondering if anyone can help me out as to just what the FS-501 actually is. Thanks! 
2
Comments
FS-501 is a mintmark variety. The FS stands for Fivaz and Stanton the authors of the Cherrypickers guide. They have a numbering system for each type of variety.
Numbers Indication
101-299 Obverse doubled date and/or obverse die variety
301-399 Obverse date variety
401-499 Miscellaneous obverse variety
501-699 Mint mark variety
701-799 Miscellaneous variety
801-899 Reverse doubled die
901-999 Miscellaneous reverse variety
Successful BST with ad4400, Kccoin, lablover, pointfivezero, koynekwest, jwitten, coin22lover, HalfDimeDude, erwindoc, jyzskowsi, COINS MAKE CENTS, AlanSki, BryceM
Thank you very much! It’s interesting because there’s no mintmark and several others don’t have this attribution. Cheers, karl
Nice lookin' coin.
Thank you sir!
Very nice 1971 No S nickel!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Thanks!
Did you pay for Variety Attribution?
The 1971 No S is a Major Variety (Major Varieties being ones mentioned in the Redbook, more or less) , and Major Varieties will be attributed without paying for Variety Attribution (albeit simply, such as "No S", "Doubled Die Obverse", etc).
If you do pay for Variety Attribution on a Major Variety, they will put the specific FS# on the label.
No….that’s why I was a bit confused….Thanks for the information! Karl
What is the difference between the FS-501 1971(S ) No S Proof Cameo and the No S Proof Cameo?
The cert shows the Pop for this FS-501 graded PR68 Cameo as a 5/0. It even shows that result in CoinFacts
But just searching for the 1971-S No S in CoinFacts the population is completely different. Does this mean all 1971-S No S Jefferson nickels aren’t FS-501
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
very nice coin
those who are laughed at always have the last laugh
That’s what has me a bit confused also…just didn’t want to look silly for asking. Maybe they only do the attribution if it’s requested and paid for, although I didn’t pay for it (that I know of…🤔).
@PCGS_Hy
A couple of us are curious about the same thing, including a forumite that owns the subject coin. So, I thought that I would ask about it here, as opposed to sending an e-mail to CS. This way, multiple parties can read and benefit from your response.
What is the difference between:
~ PCGS #569531 {1971-(S) 5C No S FS-501, CAM (Proof)}
~ and, PCGS #84204 {1971 5C No S, CAM (Proof)}
Specifically, are the coins different, or are the different PCGS numbers wholly attributable to a categorization distinction (i.e., "major variety" without FS number vs. "die variety" with FS number)?
Edited for grammar.
Nice Coin
I would venture a guess that the 71 No S that were certified without an FS number may be before the Cherrypickers guide had it listed? Just a guess. I will see if I can find my 3rd edeition and see if it is listed in there.
Edit to add the 71 No S nickel is not listed in the 3rd edition of the Cherrypickers guide.
Successful BST with ad4400, Kccoin, lablover, pointfivezero, koynekwest, jwitten, coin22lover, HalfDimeDude, erwindoc, jyzskowsi, COINS MAKE CENTS, AlanSki, BryceM
Hello all,
The 569531 spec number is if you would like to get the FS-501 designation on the label. This will require the variety attribution service add-on. If you do not need the FS-501 designation, then you would not choose the variety attribution service and you would receive spec#84204 provided the coin is the respective designation.
Best,
PCGS_Hy
PCGS Customer Care Representative
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