fine points of grading proof Jeff nickels

[JKK]

Going by the ANA grading manual, for proof coins in particular, strike can be a limiting factor. Suppose a proof Jeff does not have the full steps on Monticello. Would you say that limits the assessment of strike to poor? Medium? Full steps are described as a trait on business strikes (and very desirable in MS coins), but not on proofs according to the Numismedia guide, which suggests that the strike of the steps on proof Jeffs is simply one facet of the overall grading assessment of the strike.

[RWB]

All proofs prior to 1969 were made on a medal press and struck with the same pressure for each denomination. Differences in detail are likely due to planchet hardness, die condition and die variety.

[MarkFeld]

Going by the ANA grading manual, for proof coins in particular, strike can be a limiting factor. Suppose a proof Jeff does not have the full steps on Monticello. Would you say that limits the assessment of strike to poor? Medium? Full steps are described as a trait on business strikes (and very desirable in MS coins), but not on proofs according to the Numismedia guide, which suggests that the strike of the steps on proof Jeffs is simply one facet of the overall grading assessment of the strike.

 

Strike would factor into the grading of Proofs only on extremely rare occasions. The most frequent grade limiting considerations are hairlines, spots, stains, splotches, haze, negative eye-appeal, etc.

[RWB]

Many proofs of this period look like they contracted smallpox.

[JKK]

Strike would factor into the grading of Proofs only on extremely rare occasions. The most frequent grade limiting considerations are hairlines, spots, stains, splotches, haze, negative eye-appeal, etc.

 

Yes, I'm finding a lot of haze. They look all right until one sets them near one that really is nice, and then all of a sudden the hazy ones look very blah.

[numisport]

Look for deep mirrors and some contrast on early Jefferson proofs. Some are available even in high grades that are cloudy and unappealing as collector coins. Let speculators have these. I consider brilliant proof 67 examples with no clouds as good as it gets.