jmiec: Even though ACI 318, ACI 301, and I believe ACI 211, do not include cover as a factor in determining nominal maximum size aggregate, there are some organizations and mix designers who do consider it; typically restricting MSA to 3/4 of the cover in addition to other criteria..example PCI MNL 116 Article/Section 3.1.4(2)
The situation you describe satisfies the 3/4 cover rule.
There are many situations where the 3/4 cover rule does not apply...and your's is probably one. For instance, use of, #57 (1 inch MSA) for interior structural slabs with a cover of 3/4 inch does not create a problem. However, for thin vertical structural elements, not adhering to the 3/4 cover rule might lead to honeycombing.
LCruiser: The coarse aggregate size number designation comes from ASTM C 33 Table 2. It takes into account MSA and grading characteristics. No 1 is the coarsest with largest MSA and No. 8 is the finest and has the smallest MSA.
Other size designations are a result of combining aggregates with different size numbers. So No. 67 is a combination of No. 6 and the less coarse No. 7 aggregate. This means No. 67 falls in between No. 6 and No. 7 in terms of coarseness. No. 57, a blend of No. 5 and No. 7 and so on.
In Table 2 of ASTM C 33, No. 9 which is a fine aggregate, is included. This is because when it is combined with No. 8, it will produce No. 89 aggregate. See footnote A of the table.
I do not have a copy of ASTM C 125-Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregate...but I do believe it explains the rational behind coarse aggregate size numbers.
Tables 1 and 2 in the link provided below are based on ASTM C 33 Table 2. This should provide an idea of MSA as it relates to coarse aggregate size number.