Early bust coinage

dan1ecu

Does anyone have an opinion as to how consistent the grading services are in grading early bust quarters and halves? Would a given grade (eg. VF20) look pretty much the same whether it was in an ANACS, NGC, ICG, or PCGS holder? Are some services more understanding than others when it comes to minor problems like an old cleaning?

Dan

EVillageProwler

Of the 4 that you mentioned, I find ANACS to be the most consistent and the least forgiving of old cleaning. (They tend to use their NET GRADING service fairly freely.) NGC seems next most consistent to me, but at best only marginally more compared to PCGS.

ICG is most forgiving of old cleanings, with PCGS not far behind.

Please keep in mind that this is based on a very unscientific survey, comprised mainly of my personal observations over the past few years.

Also, please note that I pretty much eye ball just about every pre-1808 silver coinage that I can find. Coppers and gold I generally ignore.

Hope this helps...

EVP

dan1ecu

Hello, EVP –

Yes, that answers my question. One has to be careful, I think, when shopping for early coins. So many that I’ve seen have some kind of problem. Some have even been altered. I’ve seen examples of altered bust coins on this board. It’s difficult to find an attractive early coin with just honest wear.

Thanks,

Dan

EVillageProwler

Dan,

Agreed. Original and eye appealing specimens are very hard to find, and they generally command a significant and well-deserved premium.

EVP

JimD

From my personal experience I have to agree with EVP's assessment. Another observation is that the coins with the best eye appeal seem to end up in PCGS holders.