Cabinet friction/roll friction

tjkillian

How does PCGS treat cabinet friction/roll friction compared to slight circulation wear when grading MS/AU coins?

Tom

homerunhall

Tom...The friction issue is a "degree" issue that's been discussed by experts long before PCGS existed. In fact, it was one of the major topics of discussions when we were forming our grading standards. It is a matter of degree. When there is clear "broken-luster" wear, the coin cannot be called Mint State. When there is light high point rub, the coin can be called Mint State. It's very subjective.

Two stories:

In the 1970s, many firms used the term, "BU Rub" in their ads and catalogs. The term meant "Brilliant Uncirculated, with some high point rub." It is my opinion that most coins sold as "BU Rub" are coins that would grade AU55 to AU58 today.

In the 1970s, there was a show dealer with very conservative grading standards. He once made the statement that, "Truly Mint State $20 St. Gaudens do not exist. They all have rub." If he got a real cherry Saint, say one of those creamy 1923-Ds that used to pop up frequently, he grade it "AU+++++++"

Once again, the rub/friction issue is very subjective.