PCGS Guidelines for Eye Appeal - I just discovered this explanation from our host

1630Boston

I thought this was interesting

Eye Appeal is one component of grade. For coins grading above MS/PR 60, eye appeal is one of the four components of grade.

For Mint State and Proof coins, the three factors comprising a coin's "technical grade" are:

Number and severity of marks and abrasions
Luster, or Reflectivity for Proofs
Strike, which is rarely a problem for proofs and strike is expected to be sharp, a weak strike being a deduction in the case of proofs.
For Circulated coins, there are:

The amount of wear. This is by far the most important factor in the grading of circulated coins.
Marks and abrasions. Depending on the grade, a certain amount of marks and abrasions are expected with circulated coins. Severe or unusually serious marks "for the grade" can be a negative. The higher the circulated grade, the less severe marks can be before they would effect grade.
Luster. AU (Almost Uncirculated) coins should have some original luster. For lower grades color and originality have the same effect on grading as luster does for higher grades.
The "technical" grade of the coin is the grade of the coin based on the factors above without taking eye appeal into consideration. Eye appeal either adds or subtracts from the "technical" grade, or is neutral as a factor in determining the final grade. For toning, PCGS uses seven levels of eye appeal, from "Amazing" to "Ugly". For luster on mint state coins and depth of reflectivity on proofs, PCGS uses six levels of eye appeal, from "Amazing" to "Negative".

The following are the minimum standards for eye appeal on high grades: MS/PR68 – Must have positive eye appeal MS/PR67 – Must have above average eye appeal MS/PR66 – Cannot have below average eye appeal MS/PR65 – Cannot have negative eye appeal. AMS/PR65 coin can have below average luster or color (toning) if it is outstanding in every other way.

Plus Grades
High end coins for the grade, i.e. "plus" grades, cannot have negative or below average eye appeal for the grade.

Spots
Spots on gold coins, spots on copper coins, and "milk spots" on silver coins are not really part of eye appeal, but they are part of the grade and grade deductions are made similar to those made for marks or hairlines. In all three instances above we have minimum/maximum grade guidelines for spots. Note that in some instances, spots can appear subsequent to grading. In the case of copper coins, the spots would result in a grading deduction, and, since there are often environmental factors beyond our control, PCGS does not guarantee against downgrades for spotting on copper coins. For modern silver issues, spotting is a Mint acknowledged problem that is also beyond the control of PCGS. For modern silver coins, it is possible for two coins to have the same technical grade and one be spotted and one be spot-free. In these instances, the spotted coins will command a lesser price in the marketplace.

AMAZING
This is a coin you look at and think "Wow!" This coin could have incredible luster and/or color, and/or mind boggling contrast if a proof or proof-like, and/or incredible mirror surfaces if a proof. Amazing eye appeal can add up to a full point to the "technical" grade.

There are examples with photos here
https://www.pcgs.com/eyeappeal/

CCGGG

Terrible eye appeal in all their examples. All are environmental damaged, (toned/tarnished).

ricko

I consider 'eye appeal' to be even more a matter of opinion even than the nebulous criteria for grading. Not all people like tarnish, not all people like blast white.... Some people like blondes, others brunettes... I prefer redheads. Such things have no business in determining a grade. Standards, we need standards. Cheers, RickO

Justacommeman

Finding technically all there for the grade coins WITH big eye appeal is a great recipe.

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Baley

Thanks for posting this extremely well-written summary of key concepts.
Logically describes the relevant factors.

Baley

I'd be curious to know the names of the other 5 levels of eye appeal between Amazing and Ugly.

Insider2

@Baley said:
I'd be curious to know the names of the other 5 levels of eye appeal between Amazing and Ugly.

You might try looking in the ANA Grading guide. They have a good description for each MS grade you could possibly agree with.

ReadyFireAim

@1630Boston said:
Spots on gold coins, spots on copper coins, and "milk spots" on silver coins are not really part of eye appeal, but they are >part of the grade and grade deductions are made similar to those made for marks or hairlines.

Here's one to blow your mind