What if the obverse grades differently than the reverse?

dan1ecu

I’ve seen slabs (or maybe it was ANACS papers?) where obverse and reverse grades were reported separately; eg. MS63/MS65. I don’t think that any grading service does this anymore. Typically, how do they handle it if a coin is a higher grade on one side than the other? Do they average the two grades? Will they give the coin the higher grade if it has good eye appeal? Does the obverse matter more than the reverse? Possibly a coin with an MS63 obverse and an MS 65 reverse would be labeled as MS 63 PQ? What do you think?

Dan

kieferscoins

Obverse matters more into the grade. A Morgan with MS-63 Obverse and a 64 reverse will be a 63 all day. Toning may increase the grade, but it has a much better chance if it is on the obverse.

Cameron Kiefer

BigD5

Cameron is all over that one. A discrepancy that you can expect to find is with a series like Buffalo nickels, where there are some collectors who put a lot of emphasis on the "state" of the bison's horn. You can have xf, or even unc. looking obv.'s, but lacking a full horn detail on the rev.. How do you grade those? At that point, we have our own different opinions. One of the things that make this hobby fun.

coinguy1

Dan,

There might be a bit of grade averaging that occurs but, as already noted, the obverse is much more (probably to the tune of approximately a 70/30 split - just my number - please check with others to verify) important, grade-wise.

There are a lot of pre 1808 silver and gold coins which might appear to be low grade mint state or even AU on the obverse, but MS65 or better on the reverse. This is due to the design particulars, wear patterns, etc. and no matter how wonderful the reverse, the obverse almost always rules.

keets

it's always been my understanding that grade is off the obverse primarily with an overall average, if that makes sense. in his ANA grading threads, kranky summed it up very well. the reverse generally won't bring the grade up but it can certainly bring it down!! bummer.

this brings up an interesting point of discussion that i had with two dealers at the local shop last week that concerned the statehood quarters. since they are holdered with the state design and the accompanying date showing with the insert, which side is considered the obverse? they looked at me like i had two heads and though we seemed to agree that the portrait side was the obverse without regard to where the date was, which side on these coins is given primary grade consideration?

on the humorous side, they referred to hibernia pennies or something to back their point of date on reverse claim. like i know what those are!!!

al h.

coinguy1

Keets - you can find "Hibernia" coinage in the "redbook", though I don't know how strong of an argument that precedent gives those guys!

CalGold

Isn't giving the obv more weight market grading? Wouldn't split grading, eg. 65/63 be a better way to go?

Then again, I think that there should be a designation disclosing a grade boost for toning should such as 65t+ meaning 64 based on strike and surface preservation but given a boost to 65 for toning.

Better disclosure about the grading of a coin means a more informed buyer. This would be better for collectors, and not as good for dealers, so it won't happen.


CG