Designing a "What does it take to be a PL" Experiment

keoj

First of all, this is my issue not the TPG services issue. I may be missing something so this is an effort to affirm or call into question my own grading skills.

I'm often disappointed in the stinginess of TPGs awarding PL designations for non-Morgan coins. In addition, I often find the consistency vexing. Those who know me know what I collect, but I think that this applies to many non-Morgan series.

For those asking "where are the images?", I have found that PL coin images do not portray PL characteristics well. Movies actually do a better job.

Okay...onto the point. I'm considering an experiment. First, create a mix of PR and PL coins, say 12 to 16 coins. Some of the PL coins were designated as PL from TPG's, some were rejected

To prepare, mask the date, grade and mintmark, but have the fields visible.

Step one: Have the participant divide the coins into PR and PL piles. Assess the results.
Step two: Mix the coins and have the participant stack rank entire set of PR and PL coins for field quality. Assess the results.
Step three: Last, pull the PR coins out of the mix and do step 2 again with just the PL coins. Assess the results.
Step four: Share the results (and maybe a few images )

I'll likely do this at a regional show and will ask a few knowledgeable folks to participate. Something like 10+ plus folks.

Comments welcome. Maybe I'll learn something.

keoj

lermish

I think the experiment is well designed and you will definitely attain some knowledge.

What I would really like though is for a grader or two to also participate. We need to get JA, Drzewucki, Butler, or Wetzler to play also.

U1chicago

Sounds like an interesting experiment and it will fun to see the results.

skier07

I think results will be all over the place.

Unless your experiment is done in a controlled setting liking a TPG grading room I have my doubts about drawing any conclusions.

keoj

Good comment...if the results are all over the place with folks that have a moderate level of grading expertise, then we're back to the consistency issue. As an aside, in the coin sample, there will be grades from 55 to 65. The point is not to focus on the grade but rather the broad concept of PR and PL. In my mind, a much easier task.

FlyingAl

@lermish said:
I think the experiment is well designed and you will definitely attain some knowledge.

What I would really like though is for a grader or two to also participate. We need to get JA, Drzewucki, Butler, or Wetzler to play also.

Unlikely any grader will participate to protect the grading company's reputation.

lermish

@FlyingAl said:

@lermish said:
I think the experiment is well designed and you will definitely attain some knowledge.

What I would really like though is for a grader or two to also participate. We need to get JA, Drzewucki, Butler, or Wetzler to play also.

Unlikely any grader will participate to protect the grading company's reputation.

Well of course, but a guy can dream can't he?

I think, based on my few interactions and friends' experiences, JA would absolutely give the type of feedback and education desired...but not in a public contest type setting.

Joe - I think we have to get you linked up with JA. You should drive some coins down to Jersey for walkthrough sticker review and in person PL feedback.

TomB

@lermish said:

@FlyingAl said:

@lermish said:
I think the experiment is well designed and you will definitely attain some knowledge.

What I would really like though is for a grader or two to also participate. We need to get JA, Drzewucki, Butler, or Wetzler to play also.

Unlikely any grader will participate to protect the grading company's reputation.

Well of course, but a guy can dream can't he?

I think, based on my few interactions and friends' experiences, JA would absolutely give the type of feedback and education desired...but not in a public contest type setting.

Joe - I think we have to get you linked up with JA. You should drive some coins down to Jersey for walkthrough sticker review and in person PL feedback.

I believe CAC has mentioned that they do not do a walkthrough service anymore.

lermish

@TomB said:

@lermish said:

@FlyingAl said:

@lermish said:
I think the experiment is well designed and you will definitely attain some knowledge.

What I would really like though is for a grader or two to also participate. We need to get JA, Drzewucki, Butler, or Wetzler to play also.

Unlikely any grader will participate to protect the grading company's reputation.

Well of course, but a guy can dream can't he?

I think, based on my few interactions and friends' experiences, JA would absolutely give the type of feedback and education desired...but not in a public contest type setting.

Joe - I think we have to get you linked up with JA. You should drive some coins down to Jersey for walkthrough sticker review and in person PL feedback.

I believe CAC has mentioned that they do not do a walkthrough service anymore.

I had not heard that. If so, that would have changed in the last 6-9 months.

Then let's call it a pre-arranged office drop off at the Jersey offices with a request for 15 minutes of JA's time or treat him to lunch.