Hairlines and Grading - What warrants a "Details" grade, and what doesnt?
PeakRarities
Posts: 4,079 ✭✭✭✭✭
I've been wondering where the "line" is drawn in regards to coins getting body bagged or net graded due to hairlines or "cleaning", when said coin is not obviously washed out looking, or over dipped. My LCS had a type 1 $10 eagle that he knew would details grade because of hairlines in the fields due to cleaning, that coin did in fact come back in a details slab. The coin I just bought also has hairlines that look somewhat similar, just not to the same degree.
Obviously there's a level of "market acceptance" for coins that are almost 2 centuries old, but I'm still having trouble grasping the science behind this. Is it that easy to tell if hairlines are the result of a semi abrasive "rubbing" vs normal wear from circulation? How do graders differentiate a coin that developed hairlines in someone's pocket, or one that was dropped in horse poop and subsequently wiped off with a rag in 1865? Does the coin straight grade if it was cleaned in 1865, but details grade if it was wiped off recently? Is it the consistency, direction, or depth of the hairlines? Is it dependent on the age of the coin or the grade range that it should have been? I'm sure there's many variables to take into consideration and at the end of the day maybe it just comes down to a judgement call by a professional. Perhaps the only way to learn this is by experience, but any insight or info would be helpful. Thanks Guys!
Comments
It depends, cleaned coins that are extremely rare can often be net graded by PCGS. The 1839 proof half dollar in the recent Legend Auction would be an example. The coin has dense hairlines, but is prohibitively rare. More common coins rarely get such net grading. I think this is very appropriate on the part of PCGS.
From my experience with hairlines, it's the patches of hairlines that all run parallel to each other. You might even see crosshatch patterns of hairlines. If the hairlines mostly seem to be random and without pattern, it's considered part of normal wear. Older coins can have considerable hairlines, but they often get the benefit of the doubt because they likely have been sliding around in coin cabinets for who knows how many decades. Below is an example of one of my coins that is literally covered in hundreds of tiny hairlines that is NGC MS62.
Here is an example of hairlines from a cleaning that would be a bit difficult to spot.
Looks great!
At an angle to the light, oh hairlines!
don't forget die polish...
I would recommend taking an ANA course on grading at one of the large shows.... In person discussion, with an expert, of sample coins can be so informative. Very valuable training. Cheers, RickO
Die polish won't details grade a coin though.
Collector, occasional seller
Judgement call.
In terms of a wipe or cleanings in general:
Still in favor of straight grading except for "harshly cleaned" and let the market decide value based on eye appeal.
Too gigantic a chasm of personal opinion on the details label call.
sometimes hair-lined coins straight grade, but they are always hair-lined...meaning you and anyone experienced will notice. don't buy them unless you are getting some fantastic deal.
From what I've seen, lightly cleaned Bust $s usually straight grade. Hairlines on proof coins will result in a net grade.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
If you’re buying it’s called handling and circulation.
If selling hairlines from cleaning/wiping. 🤩
I think the point was sometimes people mistake die polish lines with hairlines. In some cases you're not going to be able to tell the difference without magnification.
The hairlines have to seriously impair the luster to quality for "details." Lot viewing at a major sale will quickly demonstrate the services don't care so much about hairlines. CAC on the other hand a different story.
This coin is straight graded MS62 and you can use your best judgment on what you think of it.
Those are a bit more than "hair" lines...
Those are scratches, not hairlines.
Definitely won't CAC.
Definitely an education for me.
I have most def. had coin rejected for much less and even mild planchet defects from PRIOR to striking. The whole bit of hairlines has IMO subjective endpoints separating "acceptable" and not so.
Well, just Love coins, period.
I've had coins returned with only a few light hairlines return as cleaned. I've had coins called cleaned only because PCGS didn't like the color, no hairlines at all. The concept of rare coins getting a pass is completely unacceptable. Imagine spending thousands in an online auction for a rare coin only to discover it's an eyesore treated royally because it's rare.
“ The concept of rare coins getting a pass is completely unacceptable. Imagine spending thousands in an online auction for a rare coin only to discover it's an eyesore treated royally because it's rare.”
Totally agree. Before you know it, an 1804 dollar will go from EF40 to Proof 61. Oh, wait…..
Buying and Selling coins for 54 years, 700+ shows in last 20 years, and boy am I tired.
Purchased and Trademarked the Mohawk Valley Hoard
Originated the Rochester (NY) Area Coin Expo
Yeah, or the grade of your coin changes if more of that coin are discovered... hogwash!
Peace dollar scratch looks like maybe an old staple scratch. I have seen many of these, Sad
from careless removal of the coin from a stapled cardboard 2X2 holder'
people just peeled apart just one side and roughly pulled the coin out and as this is being done the staples come open and scratch the coin as its pulled out.
Proper techniques would Be to remove the staples first with a pointed small pocket knife.keeping a finger on the coin to hold it and protect it.. BETTER technique is to punch a small hole in the mylar with a pen or pencil tip then the coin can be pressed out of the hole as the mylar tears.. no staple removal required, safe coin exit.