| Author |
 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,015 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
751 Posts |
This silver dollar looks like a low MS grade--does the mark on the reverse rim between 1 and 2 o'clock detail the coin, or is it an MS(60)? What causes the coin to get "detailed" vs. lowering the grade to a 60?   |
|
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
I like this coin.  The obvious problem is the large amount of small scratches and dings. Nevertheless, I would be hopeful for a straight grade. I don't think it will make MS-60 because from what I see, there is also a tiny amount of wear on the high points. I would think that this coin would slab at AU-55 or 58, more probably 58. In a hypothetical sale, it would be up to the buyer to determine the extent of the value loss due to the small scratches and dings. But if I were the owner, I would want to keep it, and thus the value wouldn't matter to me that much. Thanks for the good quality pictures to bring all of the features of this coin out to be properly seen. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
That sums it up pretty well, I think.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4469 Posts |
The detail grade is for problems, and the TPG's overlook some issues on this series. The coin is showing some wear on the high points. I am at AU Details because of the accumulation of issues like the rim ding, scratch above the N and it may of had an old cleaning. It would not surprise me if the coin straight graded MS61 if the cleaning is market acceptable. The MS60 is almost a forgotten grade as it is not used much. When I have seen MS60's used the examples are unattractive heavily marked MS coins. |
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
751 Posts |
Thanks so much for your responses! Where do you see the wear? I actually don't see it...
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
36744 Posts |
A bit baggy but I think it will straight grade. MS-60.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2869 Posts |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
6541 Posts |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4680 Posts |
AU58, likely Details due to the rim hits. To me, this looks like a very lightly circulated example. Contact marks look like more than just bag marks.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1788 Posts |
I think straight grade as well.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
509 Posts |
First of all I'd like to echo Sel's remarks re the quality photos. They're great and make it easy for grading. To comment on your question as to what constitues detailing a coin rather than just lowering the grade. My personal feeling is a coin should NOT be detailed for PMD. Simply lower the grade as it should be. Intentional alteration of a coin and its appearance such as dipping, cleaning and artificial toning SHOULD be detailed. Many collectors are being unjustly penalized with "authentic detailed" slabbing by the the TPG's. I do not mind having a coin that's been through the wringer and damaged over the years. In many cases in my opinion it adds a sort a history and adds character to the coin. But I'm just a collector. Perhaps the vendors look at it differently. Not sure how or where that practice came from but I'm guessing it has to do with the TPG's. Just my jtwo cents. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Tiny amount of wear apparent on the high points on Lib's wrists, boobs, knees and head.
In addition,
the extensive amount of minor scratches and dings would also help to keep it to just below MS-60.
One of the nice aspects of this coin is that it appears to be well struck, especially showing up in the feather detail of the reverse, the unbroken bars in the shield, and the sharpness of the lettering.
Nice on screen color helps.
Unfortunately, sharpness of strike doesn't contribute to a higher grade.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3644 Posts |
The Seated dollars that were discovered in bag lots during the silver rush were exceptionally baggy. They were handled roughly, stored in terrible conditions, and frequently buried under hundreds of bags of later dollars. This coin has the look of a silver rush coin. The obverse shows quite a bit of road rash on Liberty's arms, head, and legs, as well as the peripheral lettering. There are some deeper marks, such as the heavy contact mark on line between the middle of Liberty's right arm and the 13th star. The reverse has two deep dings near the rim and several fairly sharp contact marks. The strike is average. The frost on the devices is nice, but broken by the contact marks. I see evidence of heavy contact, but no circulation. IMHO, the contact marks are too frequent and some of them too deep for a straight grade. I'm at UNC Details. That said, it's still better than quite a few I have seen. I can see what would attract you to this coin. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
751 Posts |
This coin is in a PCGS MS(60) slab. I was considering going for it as a lustrous, fully detailed, but not MS(62-63) money example for my US type coin set. For the Seated Liberty (No Motto) Dollar I would prefer an 1840s date. The dealer seems to want a premium for it, though--well above even PCGS's retail guide.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
6384 Posts |
I don't see any significant wear and the various larger hits don't rise to the level of "damage" IMO. This seems like the kind of coin for which the MS60 grade was designed.
Proper call by PCGS, I'd say.
|
| |
Replies: 14 / Views: 1,015 |
|
Posted 07/01/2021 08:50 am
