Suggestions on what to do with a mis-graded PCGS 1778-Mo 8R
Senator32
Posts: 407 ✭✭✭✭✭
I recently bid on a 1778-Mo 8R in PCGS AU55 (tied top pop) the NYC Show auctions and it just arrived for me to examine in hand. I have two major issues with the coin and was curious what the community thought my best course of action:
The coin is heavily cleaned. I can understand netting a coin that has some light hairlines, but these are very numerous and go past the point of acceptability for a coin with a straight grade. I looked under a loupe and these are not die polish lines.
More importantly, the coin has two chopmarks, one in the crown and the other in the D in DEI. The one in the crown is particularly visible and even has a small amount of flatness on the back. They are small punch type chops, but the metal is clearly displaced. The fast this was not noticed I feel takes it over the edge of acceptability for a straight grade.
I was planning to flip this to a member here who was looking for C3 8Rs but just made this video and sent it to him telling him not to buy it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbIhAwt8acE
**Does PCGS still have a 'review' service? Is that my best course of action? I feel like this coin should qualify for their grading guarantee. Open to suggestions...but keep in mind I am not looking for blame, I could have had someone look at it at NYC - so really my fault for buying the coin, but more interested in not inflating the pop reports with cleaned coins and getting this one removed 
**
Thanks all
-Larry
Comments
Been der done dat
It does not appear in a gold shield holder
So I would take it back to PCGS
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Take a look to the Heritage coin sold on March 6, 2014 ANACS AU58 details. It has the same marks on the D and the crown. So, either is the same coin (cannot tell as you did not include a full picture of both sides) or this is a characteristic of the die. Looking to a mark at the chin, somth ing tells me is the same one. As far as the lines, are not adjustment marks? Cannot tell, my eyes are not as good as 30 years ago.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/mexico/world-coins/mexico-carlos-iii-8-reales-1778-mo-ff-/a/231410-62080.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515
I really don't think they are adjustment marks. Too many different marks going all over...and they go from field to device. Interesting note on the marks. Must be the same coin...my other AU55 does not have them.
^ Also, that is what a AU55 should look like
@bidask - Thanks, I think I am going to do that.
Nice catch. Same coin, must have been crossed soon after that.
The chops aren't acceptable in a straight graded coin, but to be fair the hairlines are pretty obvious in the auction photos.
Agree on both counts. Was hoping it was die polish given the grade.
Yup, send it back to PCGS under the guarantee.
8 Reales Madness Collection
Thanks 2K - will do.
I look forward to following this thread. Let us know how it turns out.
Another reason to have a trusted pair of eyes review lots.
My current "Box of 20"
The dangers of buying sight unseen. Sometimes the gamble is worth it but when it is not I usually chalk it up to the risk that I knew I was taking. If I cannot attend an auction I have someone view for me for the nominal fee of 5%. Great money spent when I win for peace of mind.
In the case of this coin, with the chop it seems like it should be a candidate for the guarantee but Im not sure how much PCGS would pay out. Under their guarantee what you paid is less relevant, or irrelevant when compared to what they value it at as an AU55 vs. an AU Details coin.
Latin American Collection