What goes through the graders? minds when determining a grade?

dan1ecu

Do you think that it goes something like this...

Grader: This coin “looks like” an MS63

...then after a few seconds of looking closer...

Grader: There’s nothing that keeps it from being an MS63

...and so the coin is given an MS63 grade.


Or do you think that they look at each of the determining factors individually...

Grader: Luster - brilliant; Strike - almost full; Surfaces - five contact marks, none in focal areas; etc.


They probably don’t use a check list for each coin (for the sake of time), but what do you think goes through their heads when grading on a hectic schedule?

Dan

LucyBop

Good question, what does go through their minds in the 5 seconds that they make their judgement??????

TWODOGS

<< <i>Good question, what does go through their minds in the 5 seconds that they make their judgement?????? >>

I wonder what's for dinner tonight?

dan1ecu

TWODOGS - I’m referring to PCGS graders, not ACG graders.

Dan

Russ

It goes like this.

1. Check pop report.
2. Determine if pop is A) very low or very high.
3. If A above, check with DHRC to see if A) they have any in inventory or if they don't.
4. If A above, grade it two points below what it actually is. If B above, grade it one point below what it actually is.
5. If the anwser to #2 is B, go ahead and give it the grade it deserves.

Russ, NCNE

clw54

They're thinking about Carol.

dan1ecu

Well, Russ – I’m glad they have a system and stick to it.

airplanenut

or...
I can't find something wrong with it- BODYBAG and let's see his face when he checks the invoice status!

EVillageProwler

This summer, duing the ANA, I was having lunch with 3 friends. One of us had just taken the grading class, and another of us was skeptical that graders can grade so fast and without a loupe.

At the table, the skeptic pulled out several silver coins -- raw and slabbed -- and had us grade the coins. Each of us would look at the coin, say nothing, and pass it on to the next guy. After we all looked at the coin, then we'd say the grade. I messed up badly on a raw dime, but I admitted right away that I didn't get a good look because my seat had lousy lighting and the coin is too small. (Remember that we were in a restaurant!)

For the other coins, we were all in a half point of each other. (I.e., the coin is a ``64, maybe 65'' or ``64, maybe 63''.) And, surprisingly, we also agreed with the grades on the inserts.

BTW, one of the reasons why we got into this is because our skeptic friend was also complaining how nice his coins are and why they haven't been graded higher. I think we convinced him that he needs to hone his grading skills more.

BTW, the amount of time we took per coin was really only a few to several seconds per coin. Of course, if the coin was a high-grade proof or a super-grade MS, then I think we would've needed better lighting and more time.

EVP

PS The slabs were mixed PCGS and NGC, I believe.

clackamas

Visible marks are going to be second thing that pops up and then the grader is thinking that 65 is max, on a MS coin at least.

coppercoins

I think the graders should be looking at the same things we look at when we grade coins, if everyone is doing it correctly. If people would just get the mental block out about grading and just do it, there wouldn't be such a fuss about it. It's not all that difficult.

keets

What goes through the graders’ minds when determining a grade?

C'mon 5 o'clock!!!!!!

al h.

halfnut

Did I leave the coffee pot on at home, Was that pick up the kidds from school or the dog from the vet.


Dan


U S NAVY WITH PRIDE

RLinn

Mark, thanks for sharing your experience. I believe that most graders' first impressions are highly accurate. However, can you give me a feel for how often a grader has a significant (1.5 - 2 points) change from initial impression (i.e. "I think it is 63-64") based upon a coin's distractions overcoming the coin's strong initial positives?

DCAMFranklin

10....9.....8.....7.....6.....oh, what is it?.....5.....4.....oh, my supervisor is watching.....3......2 OK, its 65, no he only sends us 35 coins a year, he gets a 64....TIME'S UP!

MadMarty

I think there is a bid dart board, one shot... Oh that one is a 64...

wingedliberty

I know graders for PCGS/NGC.


The number one thing that goes through a grader's mind is EYE APPEAL!!!!!.



Brian.