My First PCGS Submission Results

I admit, I've been buying quite a few slabbed coins lately- but the bulk of my collection are raw and have been assembled since I began this hobby in 1987.

I have never really researched third party grading since I picked up a couple green label PCI common date coins for cheap on ebay in 1999 (a supposed PR-70 1973 Proof Quarter and an supposed PR-66CAM 1962 Cent).

So this year as an early Christmas present, the wife allowed me to sign up to the PCGS collector's club at the $199 level and having never submitted coins myself, I put together 8 fairly low value coins and sent them in to see how my eye compares with the experts...

Here's how it went. I'll post photos when the coins return if people want to see.


Coin 1: 1976 Type 2 Ike dollar

I think PCGS is incredibly hard on this series. I have a 1971-D in MS-65 that is mostly scuff free- has the typical low relief strike- good luster, good color. I also have a 1972 Type 1 that has spectacular toning has a scrape or two more than the 71 and a firmer strike. I would also consider this a 65, but PCGS says MS-64. On the lower end, I have a Type 2 that is graded MS-63. I bought this coin from a top tier Ike Collector. It's typical for the grade, choppy in spots with bag marks and some dull luster.

As for my 1976 Type 2. It comes from a mint set. It's toned to a nice golden color and has mostly clean surfaces. There are gentle marks here and there which is typical for such a large coin. It certainly looks better than the Type 2 in MS-63. I'd like this coin to hit MS-65.

PCGS says MS-64.

Analysis: Even at MS-65 it would have been cheaper to buy the coin on ebay in a slab if I just had to have a slabbed coin. As much as I like Ike's, I think that this is the kind of series that you literally have to look at thousands of coins before you start pulling gem samples. This near gem MS-64 was the best looking raw Ike I have and I have all of the major varieties and date releases. Based on this result, I have to assume that the raw Ikes I have would grade out at MS-61 to MS-63.


Coin 2: 1998-D Kennedy half

I bought the great Kennedy/Franklin Half book published by Whitman. I never really considered taking a closer look at my complete Dansco Kennedy Book for superior grade coins before I poured over this book. Perhaps not the best example in my book, I liked the brilliant luster of my 1998-D Half. Rick Tomaska states in his book that MS-67 and above coins are rare. I figured this coin could achieve 67 status but was at least an MS-66. If it's 66 it's a $45-70 coin, at 67 its a $150+ coin.

PCGS says: MS-66

My first MS graded Kennedy half. At 66 it's about what I thought it was. More importantly, it will serve as a reference piece to help me identify superior examples in the Dansco. Satisfied with this pick.

Coin 3: Roosevelt dime 1963 Proof

I've been hitting cash-for-gold coin shops in my area in hopes of buying numismatically interesting coins at near bullion levels. I came across a handful of pre 64 proof sets with cameos. I got a 56 proof set with a cameo dime at melt, a 61 proof set with a slightly hazy, but probably cameo franklin at melt, and a 63 proof set with a cameo dime at melt.

It was a toss up as to which of the dimes had the stronger cameo. The 56 had the strongest cameo obverse but the reverse was weak enough to give me pause. The 63 was the most uniform under my various light sources so off it went. I can't really say I understand the difference between the ultra high cameo grades. I put together a PR-70 2009 Set and I have all of the Sacagawea dollars in PR-69. To my eye, the line between the two grades is nearly nil.

As to what this Roosey dime would grade out? I don't know. It's clean, the set was well cared for. I wasn't sure what damage putting the coin in the mylar flip would do to it. The important thing is the cameo designator, not the grade. I think the obverse is DCAM- the reverse is at least CAM.

PCGS Says: PR68CAM

Analysis: I guess the reverse cameo was a little too weak to get DCAM. Still a nice find, considering I paid $25 for the set and still have the quarter, half, nickel, and cent. All of those coins are just as clean of flaws as the dime- so I'm satisfied with the purchase and the grade.

Coin 4: 1948 Franklin half

I have about a dozen uncirculated Franklin half dollars that I've assembled from mint sets. The 48, on the other hand, was a birthday present from my grandmother that I got in 5th grade. The surfaces are ok, looks MS-63 to me.

PCGS says: MS62FBL

Analysis: OUCH! well, having one of the lowest graded MS Franklins is a little hurtful. But this is a great little coin that I've toted around the country for thirty years. I have a FBL example from which to compare future Franklins should I get into the series. Then again, isn't almost every 48 a FBL?


Coin 5: 1944 S Mercury dime

This coin has made me lose some sleep since sending it in. It had a strong strike, full bands, I'm sure it's uncirculated. The problem? The coin is prooflike. It's so glossy I'm wondering if I missed something. Was it cleaned? Is this coming back genuine? When I sent it in, I thought perhaps MS66FB. The more I think about the coin, the more I think I was way off. I'm hoping for MS64FB- or at the very least not Genuine.

PCGS Says: MS63FB

Analysis: Ouch again! I have better Mercury dimes. But I liked the surfaces of this coin because of that glossy prooflike quality. I think PCGS either doesn't like that - or doesn't consider that a positive.

Coin 6: 1983 P Washington quarter

This coin is dark and deeply toned. It's practically brown. Underneath all of that color is strong luster, barely a trace of marks. The strike is mushy in places however. Typical for the year. Will this mushiness keep it from being the 66 the surfaces deserve? I have a registry set of MS-66 silver quarters. I'm not entirely sure how different 66 clad quarter standards are...

PCGS Says: MS-64

Analysis: I really think this has to be a strike issue. Or they didn't like the toning. I've seen ugly toned coins go higher, so I'm not sure. One thing is for sure, I'm going to study this guy when it comes back. I thought I had a good eye for pulling 66s in this series.



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Well, hopefully my descriptions and experience was interesting. let me know what you think.