Posted 09/23/2018 12:44 am
Shine means very little when first judging a grade actually. It is a lower order parameter. Strike and clearness, cleanness of surfaces and details of blemishes. I usually look first at the fields, then the high points. Checking fullness of details and condition is next. Then what state is the luster, and how has it been affected since leaving the striking chamber. A whole lot of fiddly-bits, isn't there?
Results are overall, these are "uncirculated ", a good sign. Bad sign is how they have been stored and treated. Looking at edges and rims indicates roll storage suspect paper. The edges are rough, and darker than coin overall. There are rub marks on the highs, and the second shows remnants of a fingerprint. Coins have been subjected to unprotected human hands(skin oils, dirt, contaminants). All this can affect overall quality. Strike is normal for 69s, not particularly strong, worn dies. The first coin is the better of the two... but, it has problems. Note the carbon spots and that Mark in front of face is a negative eye appeal factor. #1 is MS64RD, this is where luster counts, the RB tag, means it has 95% or more original luster left. The 64 because of a few dings, bag marks and scuffing chatter. #2 is MS63RD, one notch down, that reverse isn't as tight as the first. Grading is composite/averages. Both sides graded and averaged. That's why two coins may seem alike from front view but have different grades.
Results are overall, these are "uncirculated ", a good sign. Bad sign is how they have been stored and treated. Looking at edges and rims indicates roll storage suspect paper. The edges are rough, and darker than coin overall. There are rub marks on the highs, and the second shows remnants of a fingerprint. Coins have been subjected to unprotected human hands(skin oils, dirt, contaminants). All this can affect overall quality. Strike is normal for 69s, not particularly strong, worn dies. The first coin is the better of the two... but, it has problems. Note the carbon spots and that Mark in front of face is a negative eye appeal factor. #1 is MS64RD, this is where luster counts, the RB tag, means it has 95% or more original luster left. The 64 because of a few dings, bag marks and scuffing chatter. #2 is MS63RD, one notch down, that reverse isn't as tight as the first. Grading is composite/averages. Both sides graded and averaged. That's why two coins may seem alike from front view but have different grades.
