PCGS Standard

KatanaPilot

Hi all,

I understand fully and accept that grading is subjective. Also I feel PCGS does a very good job at grading and they offer an array of other tangible benefits.

However I feel there are some things pertaining to numismatics and TPG that aren't subjective. They're (I thought) very black and white.

One example is when generating a submission one is prompted to verify they have read the terms and conditions. Item #2 in the terms and conditions reads: "2. PCGS will not grade coins which bear evidence of harsh cleaning, artificial toning, damaged surfaces, excessive major marks, minor planchet flaws, altered surfaces, PVC damage, Doctoring or similar impairments."

Yet the coin below not only graded but became the sole finest known and sold for mid five figures. I'm confused. Am I correct in assuming that they won't grade minor planchet flaws but major ones are acceptable? Could this be a case of "who you are"?

MFeld

That particular coin aside, I’ve seen many straight-graded coins with minor planchet flaws, so the quoted language puzzles me.

gumby1234

Then there are major planchet flaws.

Its a major error, but still a planchet flaw technically.

I suppose the wording is there just in case they feel something should not be slabbed.

Coinscratch

Overruled by virtue of Eye Appeal. Couldn't have happened anywhere else on the coin. Enjoy the Silence

ChrisH821

Imagine what it would have sold for without the rim issue.

golden

I still consider it to be a problem coin and I pass on such coins.

Luxor

I believe the overall rarity, value of said coin, and also pedigree to a lesser extent are all a major factor as to what gets straight graded. JMO

cameonut2011

The cert number for the OP’s coin (gleaned from the file URL) is in the CAC database. I guess this one has been deemed “saved,” its obvious quality issues notwithstanding.

LanceNewmanOCC

@MFeld said:
That particular coin aside, I’ve seen many straight-graded coins with minor planchet flaws, so the quoted language puzzles me.

.
i didn't blow up the image but it looks like more of a clip than a planchet flaw. while a clip is an imperfect flan for sure, it isn't the same as delamination, improper metal mix, clamshell, etc. while they are all errors, the clips seem to have been given more of a soft touch when it comes to detailing a coin or not. it may have to do with aesthetics. (my modest observation)

for those reading that don't know, genuine mint clipped coins don't always have the blakesly effect although the bigger the clip, the more likely it is to be there. (again, my modest observation)

edited to add: they do assign grades to a myriad of errors. perhaps it is a way of forcing errors through the error service for authentication? (i've noticed a couple things like this over the years and while it benefits them financially, it also seems to be good for numismatics too?)

alaura22

Not with my money, I'd have to pass

lilolme

From this pcgs page:

https://www.pcgs.com/grades#grade93

The noted video link (planchet flaws starts at 0:40)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzpruoHc3g4&t=40s

conrad99

If I ran a TPGS I wouldn't pass on that coin, I'd just grade it with a note. Is that what happened?

And our host's protests to the contrary, they grade many coins which fit every single exclusion mentioned in their terms. And I believe that they almost always should, with appropriate notes and details status as appropriate.

logger7

Error coins do get graded at a premium at a higher cost by most of the services, right? So maybe this is old legalese.

Here's a FE that I wish had not gotten the planchet flaw noted, but that is useful for people, educationally.

coinbuf

TPG's do not have standards, they are in the business of opinions, and opinions are always going to vary.

Coinscratch

Incidentally, my comment "Enjoy the Silence" was not meant as a remark or a reference to the Depeche Mode song but rather the name I would have given the coin. Cause each time I look at it I find myself stuck in a speechless stare.

Maywood

An entity like PCGS not only establishes the rules for how they run their business, they are empowered to follow those rules as they see fit.