Picky grading of circs - "3 letters of LIBERTY"

moursund

I appreciate the guidance I'm getting from this forum.
Here's another question.

For several coin types, ANA "VG" grade standards say that at least 3 letters of LIBERTY must be visible.
I've seen many coins with ~2 letters visible, but which I would call a solid "VG". Is that generally accepted?

Bonus question, the uneven toning across the top of the head would not change the grade, but simply makes it a less attractive coin, right?

Thanks!

mr1931S

I have no problem with calling the coin pictured VG. Rims are well intact.Half the feathers in the eagle visible.The band of dark on obverse doe not change the grade.Looks original.

TurtleCat

The dark area is a negative and I wouldn’t buy it but as it is I wouldn’t see it impact the grade any. Seems a solid VG but not one I’d buy.

Steven59

I feel the black area really isn't that big of a deal on a lower graded coin.

lkenefic

I would grade that coin VG. The dark spot is a little distracting, but I think wouldn't affect the grade...

WinLoseWin

@moursund , are you saying the coin in your post is 2 letters? Because I consider it to be 3+ letters. The Y is often still there on a VG though not always obvious because of the angle it is at. Also the top of the T is visible, so to me a solid 3 with a bit of a fourth letter.

It also closely matches the VG-8 on PCGS Photograde. Their's shows a little less I and a bit more of the T.

The toning comes down to a matter of personal taste. Some won't want it and others will, but it doesn't change the grade wear-wise.

https://pcgs.com/photograde#/Barber50/Grades

moursund

@WinLoseWin said:

@moursund , are you saying the coin in your post is 2 letters? Because I consider it to be 3+ letters. The Y is often still there on a VG though not always obvious because of the angle it is at. Also the top of the T is visible, so to me a solid 3 with a bit of a fourth letter.

It also closely matches the VG-8 on PCGS Photograde. Their's shows a little less I and a bit more of the T.

The toning comes down to a matter of personal taste. Some won't want it and others will, but it doesn't change the grade wear-wise.

https://pcgs.com/photograde#/Barber50/Grades

Hmmm... good point about the "Y". Thanks, everybody!

am

ricko

That looks like a VG coin.... The tarnish should not affect the grade.. Cheers, RickO

keets

the next time everybody is complaining about grade-flation I think I'll refer to this thread. ridiculous, the coin isn't/wasn't/shouldn't be considered a VG, but that probably an ownership buying/selling point. the same people that will argue VG to sell would argue G to buy.

amwldcoin

LOL just LOL. After reading further and a quick PM discussion I have changed my opinion to like!

@keets said:
the next time everybody is complaining about grade-flation I think I'll refer to this thread. ridiculous, the coin isn't/wasn't/shouldn't be considered a VG, but that probably an ownership buying/selling point. the same people that will argue VG to sell would argue G to buy.

mr1931S

If it's my coin I call it VG and price accordingly. The price is the only number that really matters. There are two VG grades, VG-8 and VG-10. Call it VG-8. Definitely better than Good. Don't like the dark area, and "the look" it would contribute to one's collection, don't buy it. Very simple. Opinion.

ShaunBC5

This is not my series (I own zero), but looking at PCGS Photograde, it looks to be right between VG 8 and 10 to me. Definitely more detail than their G6 example.

golden

It would be a 7 coin if there were such a grade.