"Top PoP" confusion?

joeykoins

Hi guys,
Just a little confused about PCGS "Top Pop" categories.

Example:

Say my coin is the highest graded, along with 5 others in that same grade. Even though there are 5 others. With none higher. Wouldn't us six, have " Top Pop" coins? Or is a Top Pop only a single coin, the highest grade in that category?
Thanks guys

lilolme

What you described is, in general, a Top Pop and some say Pop Top.

Not sure what you are looking at but in the set registry - what you described would get a grade bonus of +1. If it were a single top pop (or pop 1 none finer) it would get +2. However, the set registry can also considers the PL and DMPL. So if there is a higher graded PL then it would not qualify as a top pop.

Edit: Also a variety can count in the top pop. So if a higher variety exist it can cancel the top pop. In short anything that can be entered on that line to fill the registry hole will be included in the top pop evaluation.

Now I bet this isn't about registry but in case it is.

joeykoins

Thank you for your explanation but...


Sorry.

ShaunBC5

Top pop just means the there is no coins graded higher, right? The population of coins in that grade is higher than any other grade population.
5 kids got 95s on the test and no one scored higher. Each of those kid got the highest grade in the class because no one did better.
Top pop = none higher, not necessarily higher than everyone/thing else.
At least that’s how I’ve always interpreted it.

*edit because the internet is stupid at my house tonight.

joeykoins

This is my coin I'm talking about. It's a
PF. 66. With 5 others in the 66. None higher!

joeykoins

@ShaunBC5 said:
Top pop just means the there is no coins graded higher, right? The population of coins in that grade is higher than any other grade population.
5 kids got 95s on the test and no one scored higher. Each of those kid got the highest grade in the class because no one did better.
Top pop = none higher, not necessarily higher than everyone/thing else.
At least that’s how I’ve always interpreted it.

*edit because the internet is stupid at my house tonight.

Thanks,
So, using your analogy. Wouldn't those 5 kids, earn to be "Top" in the class because nobody else got grades higher?

ShaunBC5

Yup. Like how some schools will have multiple valedictorians. Nobody did better, some did just as well.

joeykoins

So, this is my point. Concerning how/what PCGS defines "Top Pop". Shouldn't they rename it, "Solo Top Pop" Or " Top individual Pop"?
If they are only going by

1, Single Coin?

lilolme

Looks like I was correct. The last line of my first post was:

Now I bet this isn't about registry but in case it is.

joeykoins

@lilolme said:
Looks like I was correct. The last line of my first post was:

Now I bet this isn't about registry but in case it is.

Yes buddy, you're right, thanks.

lilolme

So when you say:
Concerning how/what PCGS defines "Top Pop".

Where are you seeing a PCGS definition for this?
Note: being lazy and didn't try to look it up.

Edit
So I know you are not talking about registry but that was the only place I could think to look for a definition.
This is the wording they use there.
It is a little mixed up. I see 'single highest graded' used.
I suppose they could add a term for a single highest.

Top Pop coins also receive bonus points. Coins with populations of 1 and none graded higher receive 2 bonus points. Coins that are tied for the finest known, receive 1 bonus point. Should the populations change, the bonus points will be adjusted or removed. Not all set composites are eligible for Top Pop bonus points. The following table explains how the bonus points for certain categories and suffixes are calculated:

Bonus Points for Top Populations
Coins tied for the highest grade with none graded higher = 1 bonus point. Coins that are the single highest graded with none graded higher = 2 bonus points.

ricko

Makes for stiff competition in the registry set field. I know a lot of collectors enjoy that competition. And some really nice sets have been built. Cheers, RickO

Floridafacelifter

Also in the PCGS Registry the top pops show up as bright yellow (single top pop) or somewhat lighter yellow/beige (tied for top pop). For instance I was just looking at Tom Bender’s amazing proof $3 gold collection that is to come to auction:

+2 for single top pop

+1 for tied for top pop

joeykoins

All that Registry set information is great. However, my initial thread wasn't referring to that. I was just wondering about how our host's Top Pop grading system works in the common coin graded?
Thanks

Floridafacelifter

Got it- other than the registry I do not believe they are treated any differently- if I’m wrong someone please correct me:

Your coin shown is a pop 6/0
A single finest known would be pop 1/0

lilolme

@joeykoins yes I messed that up some.
I did in my previous post quote the pcgs paragraphs on the words they use to describe top pop. Without any of the registry stuff or points they are below. As noted it is a little mixed up. Hope it helps.
Top pop
Top Pop coins
with populations of 1 and none graded higher
tied for the finest known
tied for the highest grade with none graded higher
the single highest graded with none graded higher

joeykoins

@Floridafacelifter said:
Got it- other than the registry I do not believe they are treated any differently- if I’m wrong someone please correct me:

Your coin shown is a pop 6/0
A single finest known would be pop 1/0

Thanks!
So, in the end, only,

"ONE"

in that specific category must be in that grade. For it to be considered the
"TOP POP" with no coin higher, As you pointed out with the 1/0, right?

joeykoins

Thank You, ALL!

Broadstruck

Easy fix... To own the Top Pop you'll just need to buy the other 5, crack-em out, and send the labels back to PCGS to remove from their population report.

You're Welcome!

moursund

@Broadstruck said:
Easy fix... To own the Top Pop you'll just need to buy the other 5, crack-em out, and send the labels back to PCGS to remove from their population report.

You're Welcome!

Buy the other 5, send all 6 back in again and again until 1 grades higher.

oih82w8

I would use "Top Pop (6/0) None finer in RD". If it was identified as Red, and add the variety if attributed.

OAKSTAR

@joeykoins said:
Hi guys,
Just a little confused about PCGS "Top Pop" categories.

Example:

Say my coin is the highest graded, along with 5 others in that same grade. Even though there are 5 others. With none higher. Wouldn't us six, have " Top Pop" coins? Or is a Top Pop only a single coin, the highest grade in that category?
Thanks guys

To your point. I guess there would be no confusion about these two guys?

joeykoins

@OAKSTAR said:
To your point. I guess there would be no confusion about these two guys?

Well, you most certainly got that right!
Awesome. Are those yours?

alaura22

I have 1 top pop with the yellow stripe, and I'm not telling you LOL

joeykoins

Now I have to check my Washington Dollars for the variety. Did not know about this.
Thanks guys.

OAKSTAR

@joeykoins said:

Are those yours?

Yes

Maywood

I have always preferred Highest Graded.

WAYNEAS

To me a Pop 1/0 means that there is only one coin in this grade with no other coins graded higher.

A Pop 5/0 means there are 5 total coins in this grade with none graded higher.

An example of this would be an MS67 coin graded 5/0.

There would be no coins graded MS67+ or higher.

Wayne

Cougar1978

A top pop coin is a coin with NONE graded higher. Whether it’s unique or 2 or 3 pieces does not change that. They are definitely worth a good premium especially if PQ. I have a number of slabbed top pop coins and graded banknotes (WPM Mkt getting hot!) Many sell out fast as there is very strong demand off the bourse for them.

A single digit item is a coin or banknote with single digit pop but some graded higher.

So for Graded World Coins & Currency Pricing I classify into top pop, single digit pop, double digit pop (current grade and higher pop less than 100), and triple digit pop (current grade & higher less than 1000). These form the basis for any premium pricing factors based on rarity for my spreadsheet / inventory recap. So for my graded WPM based on Mkt research developed valuation / pricing factors based on both grade (ex PCGS 66) and pop rarity. Graded world coins I look at Mkt results and pop rarity that’s more a gut feel cost plus thing. How do you price a Mexico second republic (19th century) PCGS top pop silver coin where the only one you can find anywhere is yours?

joeykoins

@Cougar1978 said:
A top pop coin is a coin with NONE graded higher. Whether it’s unique or 2 or 3 pieces does not change that. They are definitely worth a good premium especially if PQ. I have a number of slabbed top pop coins and graded banknotes (WPM Mkt getting hot!) Many sell out fast as there is very strong demand off the bourse for them.

A single digit item is a coin or banknote with single digit pop but some graded higher. For my graded world banknotes have developed pricing matrix (above raw CU) for both grade and low pop tiers / top pop, single digit pop, double digit pop. Considerable work was involved in this study of pricing of experienced major dealers in this area. Sales performance of this material off the bourse has been outstanding for me.

Very interesting. Congratulations, on your success on these. At one time in my collection. I once carried the opposite of the Top Pop for a graded coin.
My 1864L RPD AG 3 Indian Cent.
It held the "lowest spot" (Low Pop) lol.
Until someone had to go and send in their AG 2!

joeykoins

@OAKSTAR said:

@joeykoins said:

Are those yours?

Yes

Awesome, dude!
What a great find and grading results.
You're in the elite club.

OAKSTAR

@joeykoins said:

@OAKSTAR said:

@joeykoins said:

Are those yours?

Yes

Awesome, dude!
What a great find and grading results.
You're in the elite club.

Thanks joey!

Most collectors aren't even aware of this coin... Or should I say, don't care about varieties.... or is it an error?

AMRC

@joeykoins said:
Hi guys,
Just a little confused about PCGS "Top Pop" categories.

Example:

Say my coin is the highest graded, along with 5 others in that same grade. Even though there are 5 others. With none higher. Wouldn't us six, have " Top Pop" coins? Or is a Top Pop only a single coin, the highest grade in that category?
Thanks guys

Yes, they are all considered Top Pop Coins.

joeykoins

Yes, but our Host doesn't see it that way.
Specifically speaking, anyway.

joeykoins

@OAKSTAR said:

@joeykoins said:

@OAKSTAR said:

@joeykoins said:

Are those yours?

Yes

Awesome, dude!
What a great find and grading results.
You're in the elite club.

Thanks joey!

Most collectors aren't even aware of this coin... Or should I say, don't care about varieties.... or is it an error?

Fair Warning:

Now, that you have drawn this to my attention. No offense, but I'm coming after ya!
Meaning, I'm a going hunting for that baby.

Hope you don't mind?

OAKSTAR

@joeykoins said:

@OAKSTAR said:

@joeykoins said:

@OAKSTAR said:

@joeykoins said:

Are those yours?

Yes

Awesome, dude!
What a great find and grading results.
You're in the elite club.

Thanks joey!

Most collectors aren't even aware of this coin... Or should I say, don't care about varieties.... or is it an error?

Fair Warning:

Now, that you have drawn this to my attention. No offense, but I'm coming after ya!
Meaning, I'm a going hunting for that baby.

Hope you don't mind?

Good lucky. We'll watch to pop numbers go up together. If you find one, tag me.

joeykoins

Thanks for being a good sport about it.

OAKSTAR

I believe in sharing information. Look for these if you can.

joeykoins

Here we go, my friend!

OAKSTAR

@joeykoins said:
Here we go, my friend!

joeykoins

After the 3rd Dollar Roll
It's the 2007p Washington but...






Not the "Elongated".

It appears to have a bent Ray going north?
It is raised. Definitely a gouge of some sort? Very interesting. When I get home, I'll check it closer with my scope.
The coin's in awesome shape too!

joeykoins

Boy 'O boy! Never mind guys. With my scope, i found out the truth. lol.

It's just a hit or gash. I finished with the 4 Dollar Rolls, nothing.
Oh well, on with the hunt. Thanks

joeykoins

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."
First of many!

Picked up an additional 7 rolls!

11, in total.

OAKSTAR

@joeykoins said:

Boy 'O boy! Never mind guys. With my scope, i found out the truth. lol.

It's just a hit or gash. I finished with the 4 Dollar Rolls, nothing.
Oh well, on with the hunt. Thanks

That ray has gotta be a little longer and straighter. Keep looking, they're out there.