Question On ICCS Grading?

There is a perception out there that ICCS prefers to lower the grade on the coin rather than noting a details issue. So, whereas PCGS might grade a coin AU-53 Details hairlines, ICCS might grade it EF-45 with no mention of the hairlines. I think there's some truth to this. Though I'm not sure that it's a sort of conscious philosophy as much as it's just a tendency that's developed in their local grading. This sort of thing has been discussed at length on this site - if you search you will likely discover many long threads that deal with this and related issues.

My personal view is that no grading company is perfect - some are certainly more prestigious and that *can* influence sale price in *some* markets for *some* coins. But the most important point is that you look past the folder and buy the coin. Always, always, always. Is it damaged? Is it beautiful? What is good/bad about it and how does that influence how much you want to pay.

With ICCS, ms 60 is a toss up, from my observations, it is usually a beat up, baggy ms coin. For silver dollar (less frequent for other denominations) ms62 and au 55 are the ones I worry about cleaning. Those are the one where I have most often seen nice coins that look undergraded, but closer inspection reveals hairlines or some light form of cleaning.

All graders have their quirks, NGC/PCGS tend to be quite generous in the vf-ef range.

It's a learning experience, we all make mistakes and we'll all make great finds, that is part of the fun

As always buy the coin, not the holder.