"Originality" and grade

Higashiyama

Is originality ocnsidered a positive factor in assessing grade? If two coins have similar eye appeal (and similar technical grade), and one is unquestionably original, while the other was expertly dipped in the past, does the original coin have the edge?

homerunhall

Originality is definitely a positive. Note that all of these eye appeal issues are questions of degree. it's subjective, but skilled graders can agree on even subjective issues.