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Guess the grade UPDATED from coinguy1

Here is a modified version of "guess the grade" - I will tell you, up front, that the coin has been graded AU something or other by PCGS. So, it is :

1) AU50
2) AU 53
3) AU55
4) AU58

I will withhold comment until people have had time to post their opinions. I would be interested in hearing what you think about things such as the luster, color, surface quality, eye-appeal, etc, in addition to the grade. Let the games begin.....AU what?
«1

Comments

  • tjkilliantjkillian Posts: 5,578 ✭✭✭
    I will guess A., AU-50. A very nice coin.

    Tom
    Tom

  • I'm going with 55....nice detail, but I just don't think quite up to 58...
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    Beautiful coin!!! Wish the pic was a little larger with a little less jpeg compression ratio. I'm thinking AU-50 details, but the luster and the color is outstanding. I would have to bump it up from there. I'm going with 55 because 58 usually has tiny tiny wear and on a piece like this would probably be MS63/64 with the wear only being light cabinet friction. It's too nice for 53 and 50, though. So my market grade is 55.
  • OuthaulOuthaul Posts: 7,440 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Mark,

    From the scan it looks like AU-55

    Cheers,

    Bob

    BTW...If I'm right, do I get to keep it? image
  • AU-53... in for nothing else, just to be different. Has rub but too nice for 50. Might make 55.
    "Don't talk like an ignarosis."

    I specialize in Wisconsin currency! Looking for information on WI national banknotes. Census stands at 12,318 notes.

    **"Wisconsin National Bank Notes - 2nd Edition" is out!!!" Only $20PPd!!!
  • airplanenutairplanenut Posts: 22,149 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Very nice AU55
    JK Coin Photography - eBay Consignments | High Quality Photos | LOW Prices | 20% of Consignment Proceeds Go to Pancreatic Cancer Research
  • AU-55 we need to remember that these coins where not the best struck. The 1796 quarter i beleive was so weekly struck that u can hardly see the eagles head on the rev.
    image
  • braddickbraddick Posts: 23,975 ✭✭✭✭✭
    AU53 is rarely used, but I'm going to agree with drsvenghali and go with it.
    If I had money on the table though and were playing the odds I'd have to then state AU55!

    peacockcoins

  • newsmannewsman Posts: 2,658 ✭✭✭
    I would guess AU-53, maybe 55. Seems like it has nice original luster and toning.
  • I guess I'm the only one at AU58 (because of the toning). Thanks for the chance - you are giving it away to the correct answer, right?image
  • coinguy1coinguy1 Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭
    I will continue to withhold comment but I will address a question I received from lincolnSence - NO.image
  • There looks to be some scratching in the left obverse field, and there looks to be a ding in the upper left reverse that might effect the grade... let's see. I will go with AU55... cuz I'm a middle of the road kind of guy. Sure a nice looking coin, though.

    Edited to add: I don't trust this Pinnacle cat at all, though. And would count my fingers even after shaking hands with him. image
    Brevity is the soul of wit. --William Shakespeare
  • It is hard for me to grade anything from a photo, but I would say AU58. But I don't know why!image
    Banned for Life from The Evil Empire™!
    Looking for Nationals, Large VF to AU type, 1928 Gold, and WWII Emergency notes. Also a few nice Buffalo Nickels and Morgan Dollars.
    Monty...
  • mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 6,245 ✭✭✭✭✭
    luster is evident...makes this piece at least AU50...color-appears to be original toning to me,probably has not been recolored...old,old toning...has the "classic look"...we're on the way up from 50...surface quality-defect free....this coin was obviously appreciated and thus,carefully preserved...now at least 55...eye appeal...i'd be proud to have this coin in my collection...a very attractive piece...great example of the Draped bust design...and very close to uncirculated...

    deserves AU58 designation in my book...

    Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein

  • I would guess AU-53 by the scan on my screen (admittedly not the best). Looks to be just enough wear on high points to warrent that grade IMHO. Eye appeal is very good for AU.

    Jr
  • nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
    Just watch, I bet it's really MS-60. image
  • michaelmichael Posts: 9,524 ✭✭
    now this is just from the scan and i hate to evaulate coins from scans as it is close to impossible
    but this is all we got
    !!!
    and i would need to see the coin in person for a real evaulation by mee but my guesstimate from the scan

    from the scan everything about this coin is superb and to me it is graded au 58

    the strike is weak but so is every other coin and if the strike were better then a medium grade ms
    unless the coin does have rub!!

    keep doing this mark!

    sincerely michael
  • boiler78boiler78 Posts: 3,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I agree with Michael. I think its AU 58.
  • dorkkarldorkkarl Posts: 12,691 ✭✭✭
    above xf, busties must be properly be graded more by % of remaining luster, less by evident detail. can't get a good idea of % of luster from the image. i will guess pcgs market-grade of au-50 , grade by variety would be au-55.

    of course, the coin has a lot of "dirt on it....

    K S
  • rkfishrkfish Posts: 2,617 ✭✭✭
    AU53.......mainly because Mark left a space between the AU and 53 only on this one.....message Mark?image kidding.....

    Hard to tell for sure but appears to have some luster. the eye-appeal is wonderful. i agree that there appears to be some light scratches on the left obv. field and if not for that I would say AU58.
    Steve

    Check out my PQ selection of Morgan & Peace Dollars, and more at:
    WWW.PQDOLLARS.COM or WWW.GILBERTCOINS.COM
  • Nice coin! I would venture a guess of AU 53 for the following reasons:

    1. Looks to be some rub on the reverse on the eagles head and neck including the U in unum.

    2. There appears to be some rub on parts of the hairline, and just above her ample bust.

    3. The fields on the obverse seem to show signs of an old cleaning.

    4. The overall luster seems very nice, and the toning looks nice and original.

    5. Great eye appeal.

    6. Technical grade of AU 50 bumped to AU 53 for the positives

    Greg
  • I don`t know this series very well but I`m game and take a hack at it. I guess au-53.
  • prooflikeprooflike Posts: 3,879 ✭✭
    AU-55, looks like AU wear but from the scans seems to have OK luster.

    image
  • mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 6,245 ✭✭✭✭✭
    would you rather have a superb (gobs of eye appeal)au or a ho-hum strictly uncirculated at over twice the money?...

    this coin talks to me...was probably owned by one of our country's first numismatists...

    Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein

  • Mark,
    I'd say AU-55 (strong details) but not enough luster for 58.
    Joe
  • .

    << <i>this coin talks to me...was probably owned by one of our country's first numismatists... >>



    I hope that Mark won't mind me giving a little of the history of this coin... this is the coin that Mark's great, great granddad, Barnacle Bob Feld won in a poker game from the wife of Five Dog Jones. Barnacle Bob had his choice of the woman or the coin when he took that hand, but even back then the Feld's had a keen eye for wear and tear. He took the coin and the rest is history.

    Clankeye
    Brevity is the soul of wit. --William Shakespeare
  • coinguy1coinguy1 Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭
    Clankeye, I have a question and a comment for you:

    The question is based on your comment "Edited to add: I don't trust this Pinnacle cat at all, though. And would count my fingers even after shaking hands with him".

    Question - how many fingers do you currently have? Whatever the number is, I will hope and pray it does not change after we meet in person! Oh, one other question - how many fingers did you have BEFORE your wife found out that you'd knocked over your Christmas tree? image

    And, my comment pertains to your "I hope that Mark won't mind me giving a little of the history of this coin... this is the coin that Mark's great, great granddad, Barnacle Bob Feld won in a poker game from the wife of Five Dog Jones. Barnacle Bob had his choice of the woman or the coin when he took that hand, but even back then the Feld's had a keen eye for wear and tear. He took the coin and the rest is history."

    I have no problem with your providing the ALLEGED history of the coin, especially since you did not disclose how it was graded by the expert poker players of that time. image

    The grading answer and comments will be posted tomorrow morning at approximately 6:00 am P.S.T.
  • Mark--
    After knocking over the Christmas Tree on Sunday I am left by Mrs. Clankeye with no fingers at all. I have learned to peck out my posts on the keyboard with what remains of my nose.

    Hey! I'm not patient enough to wait until tomorrow! Now you've got me wondering.

    Clankeye
    Brevity is the soul of wit. --William Shakespeare
  • coinguy1coinguy1 Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭
    Preliminary consensus results from the forum:

    22 grading opinions, including (2) AU50, (7) AU53, (8) AU55 and (5) AU58. Consensus grade = AU 54.5909.

    Who says you can't grade to the nearest 1000th of a point if you have the right system in place ? image

    Again, grade to be revealed tomorrow morning - thanks for the feedback.
  • braddickbraddick Posts: 23,975 ✭✭✭✭✭
    And we did all that based on a simple SCAN! Imagine how much BETTER we would be if we held the coin in person. image

    peacockcoins

  • GilbertGilbert Posts: 1,533 ✭✭✭
    Based on the scan, I would say AU55, but I have a very nice capped bust half that has similar light scratches in the fields and PCGS gave it a 58; I guess they ocassionally grade on a curve. That said, it is a very appealing piece. It looks to have about 70% luster, very nice peripheral toning both of which increase its eye appeal, to me anyway. As for surfaces, hmmmm. As I mentioned, and someone else did too, there appear to be some light scratches in the left field on the obverse, which could be striations, but they look like scratches. I guess it could be a "technical" 53, but I wouldn't argue with anything higher; only to the point that I dispute the 58 on my half.

    BTW Mark,

    Thanks for letting me get in a word edgewise before revealing the details. image Usually, I'm a day late and a Sacagewea short. image
    Gilbert
  • 09sVDB09sVDB Posts: 2,420 ✭✭✭
    I guess AU55
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,381 ✭✭✭✭✭
    AU50
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose.
  • MrKelsoMrKelso Posts: 2,907 ✭✭✭
    I say AU 50


    "The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD GOD Almighty."
  • LokiLoki Posts: 897 ✭✭
    I'd say AU53, for the reasons cited by greg.
  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,213 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Mark-

    imageimage

    Tom
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • FairlanemanFairlaneman Posts: 10,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Going by the wear on the coin... AU53. Would have to see in person for the other evaluations. Pretty Coin from the picture.

    Ken
  • AU55.

    Andy image
    We are finite beings, limited in all our powers, and, hence, our conclusions are not only relative, but they should ever be held subject to correction. Positive assurance is unattainable. The dogmatist is the only one who claims to possess absolute certainty.

    First POTD 9/19/05!!

  • Hi Mark- I give it an AU58 for strike and originality. Neat coin!
    I'm trying to become the person my dog thinks I am
  • fcloudfcloud Posts: 12,133 ✭✭✭✭
    What a beauty! I think it is an AU55 there is obvious rub, but not too much to knock it down.

    President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay

  • DHeathDHeath Posts: 8,472 ✭✭✭
    Light rubs, typical strike, great luster and attractive toning. It appears to be relatively distraction free. I think AU-55.
    Developing theory is what we are meant to do as academic researchers
    and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
  • Cam40Cam40 Posts: 8,146
    I,m torn between 55-58

    58 then.Despite the flatness on the hair, the rim areas are sharp.Maybe just a weak strike and not really worn.
  • marcmoishmarcmoish Posts: 6,278 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice toning + EA, but the wear is their, and you just can't hide that!! AU-53 , and PQ at that!


  • I think the coin has been graded by PCGS and probably as an AU55, however I suspect that it currently resides in an NGC AU50 holder.

    Mark is word meister and a law school graduate. Clankeye is right, count your fingers.

    I think the coin is incompletely struck which counts against it more than technical grading should allow but NGC is moving away from technical grading and more towards what I call eye appeal grading.

    I think Mark is trying to make a point that PCGS isn't always more conservative than NGC.

    I also think he is currently wearing boxers and they are cotton with a blue paisley pattern.

    Oops, lost the signal. Gotta go.

    adrian

  • ROTFL Adrian...thanks I needed that image

    Greg
  • RGLRGL Posts: 3,784
    A killer coin anyone would love to have, and I am not trying to be unkind, but I will say AU-50. Not that the wear is to that point, but it does not seem very lustrous, at least by the photo. Good strike could bump it up, though, to a 53? But, I'll stick with 50, not that I am an expert on Bust.


  • << <i>I also think he is currently wearing boxers and they are cotton with a blue paisley pattern. >>



    Yes, also passed on to him by his great, great grandfather Barnacle Bob Feld. They were lucky for him, too.

    Carl
    Brevity is the soul of wit. --William Shakespeare
  • darktonedarktone Posts: 8,437 ✭✭✭
    AU50 and it would grade higher if not for the cleaning but it sure does look nice. mikeimage
  • BladeBlade Posts: 1,744
    OK, I chose to grade it before reading the posts. My grade was an AU53 technical with a bump to AU55 for the eye appeal. So AU55 it is. Now to go back through 40+ posts and see what you other scoundels said.

    Tom

    NOTE: No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.

    Type collector since 1981
    Current focus 1855 date type set
  • TrimeTrime Posts: 1,863 ✭✭✭
    Hi Mark,
    I came in late . Guess I am the only one with a job.
    You forgot to teach me about Draped Bust Hearaldic Eagle in AU state .
    I am going to give a grade of AU 55.
    I think this is a technical grade of AU 53 but has better eye appeal.
    The strike is weak by modern standards but seems not bad for an early 19th century US Coin; but there is little friction in the fields and despite some rub the face and bust there are no real marks. There is some luster at the periphery but it isn't 3/4; the coin was cleaned at some time but has retoned; the tones are not as well depicted by the picture as the blue green in the retoned face are hard to see in a bright screen.
    I wish I had a dozen of these to compare and contrast.
    Sorry to be late!
    After the original message , I happened to go to the Bowers & Merena web site where I remembered that they had an 1807 NGC AU53 for sale. While the photo techniques are different the Coinguy1 specimen looks considerably superior. Based on this comparison I would add a ++ to my AU55 opinion.


    Edited to correct my initial typo of 63 instead of the intended AU53 on the Bowers specimen (on their website).
    Trime

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