That MS65 Look - Large coins

FC57Coins

We've all been through this at one point or another, you go to a coin shop, a quarter, a half, or a dollar catches your eye, you look at it and it looks darned good. You ask about it and the seller gives you a price for an MS65 coin. I was wondering what criteria do folks here on the board use to determine if a coin is worth the risk or worth passing on.

For me, I look at the coin without a glass. Look for cartwheel luster first, then focus in on the high points to see if I notice any signs of wear - generally breaks in luster. Then I look for anything in the way of noticeable dings or marks. At that point, if I don't see anything distracting I'm thinking MS65. After that I'll take a look at the coin in good light with a 5X glass. If I see significant hits on the main devices, I knock it down to a 64. If there are very minor hits, and perhaps one hit in a hidden the hair or other secondary devices - then I'll go with a 65 grade.

What say ye?

Frank

paigowjohnny

<< <i>If I see significant hits on the main devices, I knock it down to a 64. >>



I like your logic, but if I see "significant" hits in the prime focals, I'll call it a 63 at best. I guess it depends on the definition of "significant".....then I'll try to bicker them down to 60 greysheet bid and let the games begin...

LucyBop

When the HepKitty walks into a coin shop, the prices just start falling!

paigowjohnny

<< <i>When the HepKitty walks into a coin shop, the prices just start falling! >>




Chicks......

jonesy