Which is better, 68 Ultra or 67 DCAM?
CarlWohlforth
Posts: 11,074 ✭
Why make it hypothetical? Lets look at an example.
NGC PF 68 Ultra
PCGS PR 67 DCAM
These are on TeleTrade right now. As I type the PCGS coin is at $650, the NGC at $260.
If the NGC registry really did weigh coins by market value do you think they would take into account the difference in value between PCGS and NGC coins?
Which coin would you prefer? Judging by these scans I choose the PCGS coin. However my NGC Roosey set would be improved if I buy the NGC coin.
NGC PF 68 Ultra
PCGS PR 67 DCAM
These are on TeleTrade right now. As I type the PCGS coin is at $650, the NGC at $260.
If the NGC registry really did weigh coins by market value do you think they would take into account the difference in value between PCGS and NGC coins?
Which coin would you prefer? Judging by these scans I choose the PCGS coin. However my NGC Roosey set would be improved if I buy the NGC coin.
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Comments
Russ, NCNE
Regards,
Tim
NGC
PCGS
For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
-Laura Swenson
In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
Russ, NCNE
(I do like that shadow affect the PCGS coin is giving off on the portrait!)
peacockcoins
Camelot
Here, have a poptart.
<< <i>Down Bear! Here, have a poptart. >>
He did and the filling was way too hot! Like molten lava. That's what got him in the groooowwwlll mood he's in now!
peacockcoins
Camelot
For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
-Laura Swenson
In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)
Andy
First POTD 9/19/05!!
A 1955 DCAM with that sort of frosting (thick on both sides) will command a very high premium to this NGC coin and a PCGS CAM of the same grade. I can't tell what the final price was, but $650 right now seems like a bargain. 1955 is rare for DCAMs, with pop of 16/5. Not until 1960 for Roosevelts do you see more common DCAMs (pops of 100+). Although you may commonly see Roosevelts in CAM from the mid to late '50s, many DCAMs are tucked away or are in Registry sets.
Proof Dime Registry Set
So this points out a major flaw in the NGC registry game. The more expensive, nicer coin has a lower grade. The registry is all about ranking sets. In the NGC registry the 68 Ultra brings lots more points so would really boost a set. It could be possible to have a much higher ranked set with coins that don't look as good.
Now I'm sure the same thing can be said here in the PCGS registry, that is that some 67 DCAM might be nicer than some 68 DCAM. But I can't find an example in my collection, nor on the web.
No, I didn't buy the Ultra to boost my Roosey set. I've heard you should buy the coin, not the holder As goyankeez points out proofs from the 50s with really deep contrast do get and deserve a strong premium to ones with lesser contrast. Even Rooseys.
I'll usually put the pics of coins of interest on my desktop and play with the pics using my photo software
to examine the coin in other views. Add or subtract a little brightness or contrast, move the gamma around or make a negative pic. With these two coins, it's obvious the light source settings used for the pics are at different angles. I'm not going to say which is which but one pic shows the light source from slightly above and behind the head, about 2:00 and it is easy to see the triple shadow of the profile outline on R's face. In the other pic, the light source is 7:00 directly below and slightly to the left of R's jaw. Check where the shadows appear, in the ear and hair. For the reverse, one is 5:00 the other may be from a higher angle, closer to the angle of the camera.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
I imagine the platform and the camera are stationary. While a series of small floodlights are in position around the platform, perhaps at 2 levels and controled by a switchboard. There may also be a moniter
connected to the camera for easy viewing and for the selection of the best lighting before the click.
Sounds like another great topic! But I'll refrain from doing so.
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill