Grading Standing Liberty Quarters~opinions~

Hey folks,

I'm not usualy one to post a help me grade kind of post but I figured I might get some good advice and opinions with the Standing Liberty quarters. I'd love to see some Standing Liberty fans jump in on this one and maybe we can all learn a thing or two.

First off is this 1923 I picked up today.




What would you grade it? All four digits of the date are visible although not clear.

I have always had my ANA Grading Guide handy so let me qoute what the definition of a VG8 coin is.

"VG8. Well worn. Design is clear but flat and lacking details.

OBVERSE: Entire design is weak, and most details in gown are worn smooth. All letters and date are clear. Rim is complete. Drapery across breast is outlined. Bottom right star is worn flat.
REVERSE: About one third of the feathers are visible, and large feathers at ends of wings are well separated. Eye is visible. Rim is complete."

Now for F12.

"F12. Moderate to heavy even wear. Entire design is clear and bold.

OBVERSE: Gown details are worn nearly smooth across body, but show all sides. Right leg nearly flat and toe is worn. Breast is worn but visible. Date is clear and the rim is full. Outer shield is complete.
REVERSE: Eagle is evenly worn. Half of the wing feathers are visible although well worn in spots. Rim is full."

Now, other than the date which is "mushy" what would this coin grade? Even under the description of a G4 coin we see this: "Legend and date are weak but visible. Top of date may be worn flat."

So what is this coin? A G4? A VG8? An F12? Personally I'd put it VG10-F12. I am by no means an expert on these but do see my fair share of them.
This coin came from a hoard of quarters we recently bought. Over half of the SLQs had no dates although I could see strong mintmarks and F12 or better detail on some but no date is no date. I pulled at least half a dozen 1923 from this lot and most with just a whisper of the 3. Other than that VG or better detail.
Point here being that, although I respect and like the ANA guide, they've got it wrong when it comes to the date.
We just got a 19-D back from NGC. The last 9 is faintly visible. It graded at G6.

I really would love to hear thoughts and opinions on this. Especially from those that live for Standing Liberties. I like them but am still trying to figure them out.


Now for coins dated 1925 and later it becomes easier. The date was modified to avoid the heavy wear. Still they can be difficult.
I'm not going to quote ANA standards for this one. Just gonna ask what you think it would grade.




Thanks for your time and input.

clembo