Are Capped Bust and Kennedy Half Dollars graded to the same standard?

MrEureka

If not, why? Even if the answer seems obvious, can you explain it?

Manifest_Destiny

I don't think so. The methods of manufacture were very different, all the way from die creation to striking.

MarkKelley

In circulated grades, I would think so. After all, wear is wear. I don't know about mint state coins, but they should be.

coinkat

No.

Sadly there simply is not enough coffee available to keep you awake through my explanation

CaptHenway

No. I can explain it, but I am too tired to beat a dead horse.

Herb_T

Most CBH have had a cleaning of some sort and they get a pass for that. That doesn’t mean they all get a pass. Depends on the level of cleaning. Just my thought, doesn’t mean it’s true. Lol

jacrispies

Apples and oranges. Never seen a cleaned or flat-cheeked Kennedy half.

jayPem

Do graders tend to specialize at all?
Modern stuff off to a room with graders who are up to date on that material, with classic stuff going in front of graders who specialize in there?
Somehow I doubt it, but it would seem a bit crazy if one minute your grading a bust quarter and next a Roosevelt dime, etc... 🤔

scubafuel

No, each series is graded differently.

SimonW

No, I wouldn’t and don’t think so.

There are variations in metal, strike, purity, manufacture method, etc. These would change how coins wear and how they would be perceived as being worn. Even within a series, say the Standing Liberty quarters, you’ll find differences.

Dates minted in the teens and early twenties had a raised date, meaning the date would wear very easily. Later twenties into the thirties had dates that are fairly well protected because they were set deeper in the coin.. This means that the date on a coin, arguably the most important factor in the identification of a coin (and grade for a circ coin) would wear differently even if they were subjected to the same level of use.

Because of this there tends to be different standards when grading the distinct eras of production. If a later date coin is identifiable but virtually missing the date, it would be graded very low. If a teens/early twenties coin was in the same apparent “date state” the rest of the coin would likely retain more retain and garner a higher grade.

There’s nuance to grading, not everything is equal.

BigAl

@scubafuel said:
No, each series is graded differently.

I agree. Each is graded to a standard - but not the same standard.
Similar to a dog show, each breed is graded to its own standard.
Not implying either series is a “dog” in a numismatic sense either, I enjoy both.