1853 Quarter.

Numismedia collector FMV at AU50 is 312.00 dollars. That is the grade I would also give this coin. JMO

Wowsers, I just had to check that out when I saw it and sure enough, an AU is double the value of an EF I already knew the EF value because that is what I am seeking for my type set but I was thinking an AU was about $200 or so, not $300+.

In regards to the coin posted, unless those photos are hiding alot of luster then I have to call it an EF45 with an excellent strike and probably worth something in the neighborhood of $200-225. The only distractions are the streaks on the obverse but those might even be removed with a bit of conservation, they appear to on the surface but not in the coin like toning.

That you for the comments. I agree with biokemist on the grade and his analysis, but it's nice to see the range of grades and reasoning. There does appear to be some luster on the obverse, but it's difficult to tell from the photos how subdued it is. I would expect there to be more luster on the reverse on this particular type, because the fields are very protected from wear due to the rays. I really can't make out any luster on the reverse, which had me a bit confused. All that to say, I love the detail on the head and liberty's upper body, as well as the lack of virtually any abrasions/hairlines. The price was definitely good, so I went ahead with the purchase. The seller advertised as an XF and had a BIN of $88.00, which was too good to pass up.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...TRK:MEWNX:IT

I already have an XF/AU 1855 quarter in my Dansco, but I never really liked the look of it.





The funny thing is that it is a less valuable date, less attractive imo, and I paid $115 for it on ebay at the time. It will be going back to the bay again. Also, I have an XF-45 arrows/rays half dollar in my type set, so this 1853 quarter should nicely complement it in my set.

There are still some good deals on Buy it now coins, or so it would seem.

Hello I am not trying to start a debate, but I would like to tighten my grading skills. I was referring to my Red Book, that is what I used to base my grade, besides here where could I learn to be better at this?

Well, there is the ANA book which will help. I often use the heritage auction archives as a resource. The pictures are great, and it really helps you see how the TOP TPGs grade. It is also a good reference for real world value. Basically though, grading is a subjective and acquired skill. The more coins you look at, the better you will get.

Basically, the coin in question grades in the 40 to 50 range, depending on the standards used. As you see, each of us determine the grade slightly differently. I'd like to think it's a 50, since it is my coin!...but that would be my biased grade. My unbiased grade would be a 45, and because of that I would never pay 50 money for it.

Here's one right off of PCGS, I guess Liberty was an arm wrestler?

Yeah, I'd say XF45 with what looks like some minor rim nicks. Also looks like a small rim dent @ 7 o'clock. Looks original and uncleaned.