Grading weakly-struck coins

dan1ecu

Some coins, like the 1925-D $2 ½ Indian, typically have weak strikes. Do the grading services take into account that it is normal for a given date not to be fully struck, or do they still subtract points for it?

Dan

gmarguli

If it is normal for the date they will not subtract points for it. However, it might limit the grade no matter how nice the coin really is.

airplanenut

What about on circ coins? I have my 1859 IHC (which was weakly struck due to the thick/strong metal) that I'm hoping for EF going to NGC. It it were a later date, it would probably be a high VF which is why I think the weak strike might get it up to EF... your thoughts?

gmarguli

Weakly struck circulated coins are tough. They used luster to determine how much is wear and how much is strike.

Elcontador

I avoid weakly struck coins (which is why I got a Reeded Edge vs. a Capped Bust Half) because whatever the grade, you aren't going to get the detail of a different date / mintmark with a better strike.

A good example is a 1924 S Nickel. I've seen slabbed XF 40s which barely had a full horn. The 1887 P Dime even in MS 65 will not have full head detail. Also, a typical MS 65 Capped Bust Half will be missing some detail in the clasp and the curls in back of TY of Liberty.

I disagree with Greg re dates with traditional weak strikes will have their grades limited because of them. One example I've seen are MS 66 Seated Halves with missing head detail.