JP's Nickels 1 1

[J P M]

So I am sitting around going through some coins in my tin box. I remember this roll I got off a old dealer and decided to take a peek. The 60's did not have great strikes or many FS coins. But this tube has some good looking 60 D's all look MS 65,66 and of course a 1960 D MS 67 is a rare one. I have a maybe and wanted some others opinions on this one from the tube. I know it has a couple bag marks but boy does it look better than a lot of my MS 66 coins

[powermad5000]

To be honest @J P M, I am not as good at grading these as I am looking at other series. I went to look at some graded examples, and I am not sure how it would go. J's hair on the obverse in grades 65,66,67 all seem to have progressively more details in the hair than this coin has. BUT, the reverses on any of the ones I looked at do not have as much detail in Monticello as this one has. I don't know where the graders would draw the line at strike wise as the reverse on the one you have asked about is really awesome for the year and mintmark but there seems to be less details evident in the hair. Considering the few nicks evident on the reverse as well, I think the graders would factor those in so I am going to make my humble guess that it would grade out as a 66. I think those nicks would keep it from achieving a grade of 67.

[J P M]

On 9/26/2023 at 10:14 PM, powermad5000 said:

To be honest @J P M, I am not as good at grading these as I am looking at other series. I went to look at some graded examples, and I am not sure how it would go. J's hair on the obverse in grades 65,66,67 all seem to have progressively more details in the hair than this coin has. BUT, the reverses on any of the ones I looked at do not have as much detail in Monticello as this one has. I don't know where the graders would draw the line at strike wise as the reverse on the one you have asked about is really awesome for the year and mintmark but there seems to be less details evident in the hair. Considering the few nicks evident on the reverse as well, I think the graders would factor those in so I am going to make my humble guess that it would grade out as a 66. I think those nicks would keep it from achieving a grade of 67.

Thanks for your opinion, Not many collectors like to guess grades on nickels and dimes. I agree that nickels are hard to grade. Almost every year has a oddity you have to be aware of in this series. In the early sixty's the hair was always a problem with strike. I think they would let that go as is. I agree the bag marks on the reverse are going to hold it at a 66. Most of the TPG do not give out 67-70 on regular strike coins unless it is flawless. That is why the price jump is so dramatic in those last four grades. Thanks again for looking. powermad.

[JT2]

JP  shes a good looking Jeff. and as you know these are hard to come by  you can got from $25 in 66 to 4K in 67.  i dont even think many of the 
Denver mints had full steps back then but if you get that then add another 5 k to the tag.  with that said on the obv.  most of Jefferson's hair is not definable.  from the temple on to the back of his head.  also the hair tie is not very well defined.  and a couple of nicks on the collar.   and on the back defiantly not FS and the windows between the pillars are barely definable...    but you know i am persnickety when it comes to nickels and maybe a little harsh.......JMO

[Lem E]

I agree with the others that the obverse strike is a bit soft. With that said, I say that the chatter on the collar alone would take you out of the 67 range. Just too much there. What exactly is going on behind his nose? I think the reverse isn’t too bad strike wise. I have seen much worse. I have definitely seen some head scratchers when it comes to graded Jeffs. There are 0 FS coins graded by NGC for the 60D. Not sure about ATS. I looked at my example of the 60D which is graded MS67. While it’s not the most beautiful coin in my collection, it is a bit cleaner and the strike is a tad stronger. I think a clean collar, shoulder and jaw plays a huge role in determining grade. Major focal point. Still a very nice looking piece.

[The Neophyte Numismatist]

When it comes to grading Jeffs, I cannot carry the sandals of those who have already responded.  But, I did want to say that I think that's a good looking coin!

[J P M]

Thanks guys. I like the honesty JT2 it is not being harsh. And yes Lem the collar was a surprise. I will say the camera on my phone picks up stuff you don't see in hand. Once I posted the picture's I was like where did those marks come from ? Before the photo it was a 67 +  

[Lem E]

Decent pics will show all kinds of small problems that don’t show up to the naked eye. If I showed pics of my 67 everyone would say no way that is a 67. Including me.