FB, FBL, FH, FS, FSB determination of these designations?

[jesbroken]

It's kind of slow on the boards lately, so I will ask you. What are your rules for determining the above coin designations exactly. In other words, what exactly do you require for the Franklin FBL designation, the Mercury FSB/FB designations(are these separate/different), the Standing Liberty Quarter FH designation, or the FS designation for the Jefferson Nickel. I feel this would be very helpful to have and hope you can comply with my request.

Thank you for your time.

Jim

[RMontgomery]

Jim,

 

I'll try to keep the descriptions concise so as to not make anyone bleary eyed with this post.

 

FB- Full Bands for Mercury Dimes. NGC uses this term for those coins graded MS-60 and higher that have a clearly split center horizontal band. There can no interruptions to that center line that splits the band. This designation is not used on proof examples.

 

FS- Full Steps on Jefferson Nickels. NGC uses the terms 5FS and 6FS to distinguish between a mint state Jefferson Nickel that displays 5 Full Steps or 6 Full Steps. To qualify, there must be either 5 or 6 clearly defined steps on the Monticello. There can no interruptions to the lines of the steps. Commonly, the lowest step does not fully form in the striking, preventing the coveted 6FS designation, but so long as the five steps above are complete, it will receive the 5FS designation, which is what the marketplace typically accepts for the generic "FS" designation. This designation is not used on proof examples.

 

FH- Full Head for Standing Quarters. This designation is applied for two different design types, the Type 1 style of 1916 and 1917, and the Type 2 for 1917-1930. On the Type 1 coins, NGC requires that the hair strands be complete and uninterrupted. While the 1916 hair strands are more wispy, the 1917 displays prominent strands. Most uncirculated 1917 Type 1 quarters are FH. For Type 2 issues, NGC requires that the following elements be present: 1) The three sprigs of the wreath in the headdress be complete 2) The earhole be evident 3) That the hair be distinct from the face of Miss Liberty, that is to say that one can see the distinct line that separates the hair from the facial elements.

 

FBL- Full Bell Lines for Franklin Halves. NGC requires that the bottom most horizontal set of lines on the bell as well as the second set of lines just above are complete and uninterrupted. Tolerance is allowed for an area just to the left of Liberty Bell's vertical crack to be weak and undefined. This tolerance is generally no more than one millimeter to the left of the bell crack. Other services only require the lowest set of lines to qualify for their FBL designation, whereas NGC requires both sets. This designation is for uncirculated Franklin Halves only.

 

OK, so it wasn't so concise as promised, but hopefully it is informative. Check out the Coin Grading Guide on the NGC website for more information regarding this and other grading tips.

 

Rick Montgomery