Heads I Win, Tails You Lose.....

This is a grading question....so I was just wondering, since coins have two sides, (not counting that third side- the edge) shouldn't they have two grades? The obverse grade and the reverse grade. Sure, many coins look just as beautiful on each side, but what about the coins that are perfect on one side and not so nice on the other? Is the grade we are used to looking at actually an average of both sides? Or does the lower graded side drag the whole coin down to that lower grade? Wouldn't a slab be more accurate to have a grade on each side of the slab?
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At least 1 tpgs used to do that, if memory serves me right.
The old ANACS graded coins (when the ANA owned it) used to put the grades of each side on the photo certs if there was a difference between them.
One grade because if the coin is damaged on one side, IMO the whole coin is damaged.
It would be too complicated to find a coin is such a grading system IMHO
Wow really? I wonder why they stopped grading that way, maybe it wasn't popular enough?
It doesn't really matter, because the marketplace years ago decided that split grades don't work.
That's because a coin that is a 62/67 (common in Morgans) isn't a 64.5, or even a 63.
The reverse won't drag a coin up a grade even it if is flawless.
The reverse can only hurt the coin's grade.
Obviously I am not talking about "special" situations.....for example: a really nice 65/65+ Jefferson that almost has FS....maybe a liner type....will often get bumped to a 66 but no FS.
They do this stuff all the time with strike characteristic designations.> @Onastone said:
I thought it was that token.
Hoard the keys.
Is the edge being neglected?
Should that be graded too? Why not? A beautiful coin with a bad edge is a bad coin.
I will start with I am not an official grader but have noticed:
Yes it’s Average. I believe in most cases the Observe carry’s more weight to the grade than the reverse. For example a coin with a scratch on the reverse if not too bad will drop the grade 1 or 2 grades probably at most. But a coin with a scratch across the face will likely not get above a 63 in most cases. IMO. Edges become vital 65 and above
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I think I need to learn how to grade. How to judge a coin is really important especially when you have raw coins or just want to see what the graders see!> @Kkathyl said:
That's what I thought, thanks KKathyl~
The third side is the edge. I never got my edges graded.
The obverse is the most important side for most people, and the reverse and the side come along for the ride unless they have a post mint damage problem or are abnormally worn given the grade of the obverse.
You all are correct. For a very long time, a single grade was assigned to each side. This was called "split grading." Grading a coin as this was more precise. It fell out of favor when the "Big Boys" took over and simplified the system.
That's why today, a 63/62 (much of the time), a 63/64, a 63/65, and a 63/66 are all assigned a commercial grade of MS-63.
Although graded coins are primarily obverse graded, significant issues on the reverse or edge can and will affect the assigned grade. Minor wear (such as slight rub) on a reverse will often be ignored if the obverse is not impaired. I have seen the old dual graded slabs... and although it added to the complexity of selling coins, IMO, it was a better method. Now, with single grades, it reduces the fluidity of sales. Cheers, RickO
What about the inside ? Let's not leave that out. All coins should be magnafluxed and X ray'd to check for internal flaws, inclusions, uniformity and homogeneity.
Remember, you saw it first here from me, and I want royalties.
I was always told in regards to coins, if you can't see it, there's nothing wrong. So, heck with the inside.
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
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I've never seen a dual graded slab. Does anyone out there have one or a picture of one?
@Insider2 said:
This was called "split grading." I knew you'd know!
...and although it added to the complexity of selling coins, IMO, it was a better method. I agree! It really makes sense.