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 Replies: 13 / Views: 644 |
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Valued Member
Canada
50 Posts |
I wasn't sure if this post should go here or where else but I trust the awesome Mods here will help me out if it needs moved. I'm trying to do some research educating myself on grading for SBA dollars, specifically 1981P coins. I took the below image from PCGS population registry images. I know grading from a picture is tough, but I'm just trying to wrap my head around how the top coin grades MS67 and the one below it is a MS66. It just seems plain wrong and fairly self explanatory looking at them both. Can anyone chime in with some insight into what factors I'm missing, and why the "rougher" looking coin is the high grade? Thanks in advance! Link to full size images here: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin.../images/9578 Edited by Irelandos
12/15/2024 03:52 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17390 Posts |
Interesting question. For me, I'd have to examine each coin in-hand. Minor variances in photography may be influencing what we're seeing.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
94367 Posts |
You will never be able to define the differences between these two coins because even PCGS cannot define them. They are subjective calls by different graders at different times in all likelihood.
I choose these words carefully after 30 years of submitting coins and notes.
Edited by Coinfrog
12/15/2024 09:09 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
33743 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3343 Posts |
I agree with everything above. With that, the 66 graded coin has more eye appeal, but doesn't look as technically strong as the 67 to me. For instance, the 67 graded coin appears to have more hair detail on the obverse and more feather detail in the eagles wings on the reverse. Just my opinion FWIW.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
But strike quality is not supposed to be a factor in grading, I'm often told.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4964 Posts |
 Irelandos, Thanks for sharing, I can clearly see Fine subtle design details are Stronger, as they Should be with a higher graded example coin. Pictures as Also stated Could be hiding Something that an In Hand observation Would settle. I see ? @ 3: 00 o'clock on the 67's Obverse,  I would like to see better. The coins were probably graded as Coinfrog stated, @ different times. @ Coinfrog, I appreciate Your Expertise with the Grading company Insights about their ways, Please explain ? You stated : " You will never be able to define the differences between these two coins because even PCGS cannot define them. They are subjective calls by different graders at different times in all likelihood. " Grading is Without a doubt subjective, Two different experts would if done fairly, Probably have different outcomes, IMO. Just because a slab label says MS-70, You'd be Best Prudent to see for Yourself.. Buy the Coin, Not the slab. I also Would state I have seen Many slabbed coins that I Would find imperfections on which were " graded " Perfect Too. I have submitted 2 coins to date to have graded, I really do NOT have coins graded, I'd appreciate the knowledge. Thanks in advance, Mike.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4964 Posts |
@ Coinfrog How can Strike Quality Not be considered for Grading coins ?  Who says this Edited by Morgans Dad
12/16/2024 08:04 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Dunno, that's why I brought it up.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4964 Posts |
Bruce, I am asking, Do you think Strike Quality is considered when the 3rd party graders grade? I Do..... |
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Valued Member
United States
346 Posts |
Strike quality is indeed considered, however, there are some series (e.g. Buffalo nickels, Franklin halves)) where certain mints and or dates are known to have a softer strike and therefore knowing this, grading is adjusted. Strong strikes also account for full head (FH) Standing Liberty quarters and full bands dimes. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4577 Posts |
Different graders, different day?
Single point differences of mint state coins are laughably subjective. If registry sets weren't a thing, I doubt that anyone would pay attention to the false precision. The idea that a single tiny contact mark (or ignoring a single tiny contact mark) could render a vintage nickel worth $10 or $10000 is frankly nuts. I think future generations of collectors will shake their heads in bewilderment at the current obsession with subjective and highly inconsistent opinions enshrined in plastic holders.
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Moderator
United States
162946 Posts |
I agree with Brandmeister.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19657 Posts |
1) PCGS pictures cannot be trusted except for seeing every minute blemish.
2) When you get to the MS-66 grades and above eye appeal, luster & luck rule. Those things are impossible to discern from photographs.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 644 |
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Posted 12/15/2024 09:06 am
