Grading question: Uncirculated coins without strike/color designations

hummingbird_coins

Could a BN coin with a hammered strike and virtually no blemishes, but lacking in luster, ever make MS69?
What about a Mercury dime with booming luster and virtually no blemishes, but which falls short of full bands? (I know one has, but it was extremely close to FB)
A BN coin can only have so much luster, and a coin without a strike designation can only have so much detail. This question may sound stupid, and I know luster and strike are very important to a MS grade, but I am trying to learn to what extent. Are coins that fall short in strike or color graded on their other attributes, or are they held to the same standards as a fully struck/unoxidized coin?

Morgan13

I'm sure it's on a case by case basis.
I don't think there is a simple yes or no answer to your question.
Many different types of copper coins out there.
I don't think a business strike Mercury has to have full bands to achieve a high grade either.
Coinfacts shows two different categories for MS and FB with both graded gems.
Certain coins could lose a point or two for a weak strike all depends on what it is.
Like a standing liberty quarter has MS and FH but both can grade very high.
I hope this helps answer your question.

coinbuf

Depends on how you prioritize your preferences. Both PCGS and NGC market grade so for them the luster and color are the top priorities. Thus your example of a BN coin that lacks in the luster dept would be very unlikely to get above even MS65. Conversely if you have a coin with a few very minor nicks or a less than full strike but has blinding luster or crazy color MS68 or MS69 is an obtainable grade from PCGS or NGC. If you look at graded Morgan dollars in those high gem grades you will not have to look long to find some with rather obvious surface marks that got overshadowed by the luster or color.

If on the other hand you grade on a more technical basis then the coin has to have all attributes to get those uber gem grades. That is why you seldom saw those grades when PCGS started, PCGS was more conservative back then.