What is the hardest Grade to grade?

braddick · September 6, 2002 5:48PM

We've talked about difficult series to grade (like the 2 1/2 $ Indian gold), but what is the toughest GRADE to grade?
I would think MS60. Getting a coin into the MintState status and then determining where on the scale it is takes talent.
AU58 is easy- it's got rub? It's AU.

What's your opinion? What is the hardest "Grade" to grade?

Cam40 · September 6, 2002 6:44PM

What's your opinion? What is the hardest "Grade" to grade?
70.Whats the diff to the naked eye from a 69...Zip.
You need a microscope to `see` a 70 dont you?

AU58 is easy- it's got rub? It's AU.
Well,ya technically.But I think rub is often overlooked or taken out of the equation.
In slabs that is.Its called market grading.

DHeath · September 6, 2002 9:08PM

I think it's the designations, (full head, cam/dcam, red/rd/dn, FS, SB, FBL, full beak - just kidding) not the grade. If it were grade, I think you're right, the au58-ms? is the tough one.

Trime · September 6, 2002 9:37PM

Braddick,
I actually find MS 60 much easier to grade than AU 58. The technical grader sees the AU 58 it clearly as an outstanding coin with the unfortunate rub. The grading services may be forgiving, call it cabinet friction and move it up to a MS 62. A MS 60 is usually an uncirculated coin with lots of easily seen problems. I am very pleased with a acurately graded 58 with great luster, eye appeal and minimal rub but not so with the the same coin graded and priced as a 62.

4thStooge · September 6, 2002 9:47PM

I would have to agree with Don Heath on the designations. That is still one area where you can cherry pick.

izzy452 · September 6, 2002 10:00PM

I think the hardest is the MS61 the slider.

Walt

IrishMike · September 6, 2002 10:06PM

Toughest for me was grading proof walkers that are 65,66, or 67. There is so little difference between some of them I have seen. The same goes for proof mercs and proof washingtons 36-42. Although I have owned dozens of them, they are still tough for me to discern the grade differences.

Gilbert · September 6, 2002 10:10PM

Walt (izzy452)

I am under the impression a "slider" is more comparable to a AU58. MS coins are just that - MS; a "slider" is one that has wear but can just about pass for unc?!

izzy452 · September 6, 2002 10:24PM

I was told by a dealer that a slider was a grade that was an in between grade. Between the 60 and 62 for example. You dont see many 61's. Any one else have an opinion on this. I may be wrong , if I am im calling the dealer up and chew some butt .

Walt