preservation vs strike for grade?

MoneyLA

Sorry if this seems to be too "basic" a question, but the issue is gnawing at me. And rather than chew on a dcam coin while I ponder the issue, I though you guys could save me some sleepless nights, some teeth, and definitely a coin if not a wasted submission invoice for $30....

I posted this question in another thread, but I'm hoping for better info now:

I have a question about "strike" vs. "preservation" of a coin and its grade? If a coin is struck poorly, but has been preserved without damage (pristine) is the coin grade lowered? Can such a coin (preserved in pristine condition) but showing a weak strike attain a MS70 grade, or does the strike AND the state of preservation determine the grade?

As part of the discussion let me offer this: recently I had a proof washington graded as pr65 even though the coin showed a poor strike from weak dies. yet, it was well preserved and was graded pr65. would the coin have received a higher grade had it had a better strike or came from better dies?

cheers, alan mendelson

Windycity

Strike is critical to a higher grade. MS-65 should have a good strike but 66 and above need strong strikes, luster, minimal marks and eye appeal. Great eye appeal coin with a weak strike should never grade higher than a 65.

Fairlaneman

Here is my two bits worth on the subject.

Once upon a time in the Merc Series I believe a coin had to be almost fully struck to get a MS67 grade. It appears now that gradeflation has taken over and now a MS68 can be pumped out that is not even close to a full strike. I guess what I am trying to say is who knows now days. I am just glad I am not a submitter of coins to the major services. At best it looks like a crap shoot that causes hard feelings and grief because of the standards that appear to change.

This probably was not much help for you but atleast its off my chest now.

Ken

MS67PLUS

Ryan

This is PCGS's Explanation of mint state grades and what the strike should be for each



MS-60
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "60" (the numerical designation of that grade). This is the lowest of the eleven Mint State grades that range from MS60 through MS70. An MS60 coin will usually exhibit the maximum number of marks and/or hairlines. The luster may range from poor to full, but is usually on the "poor" side. Eye appeal is usually minimal.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-61
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "61" (the numerical designation of that grade). This grade meets the minimum requirements of Mint State plus includes some virtues not found on MS60 coins. For instance, there may be slightly fewer marks than on an MS60 coin, or better luster, or less negative eye appeal.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-62
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "62" (the numerical designation of that grade). This grade is nearly in the "choice" or MS63 category, but there is usually one thing that keeps it from a higher grader. Expect to find excessive marks or an extremely poor strike or dark and unattractive toning. Some MS62 coins will have clean surfaces and reasonably good eye appeal but exhibit many hairlines on the fields and devices.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-63
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "63" (the numerical designation of that grade). The equivalent of "choice" or "Choice BU" from the days before numerical grading was prevalent. This grade is usually found with clean fields and distracting marks or hairlines on the devices OR clean devices with distracting marks or hairlines in the fields. The strike and luster can range from mediocre to excellent.
See Also -- Mint State choice
MS-64
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "64" (the numerical designation of that grade). This grade is also called "Borderline Gem" at times, as well as "Very Choice BU." There will be no more than a couple of significant marks or, possibly, a number of light abrasions. The overall visual impact of the coin will be positive. The strike will range from average to full and the luster breaks will be minimal.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-65
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "65" (the numerical designation of that grade). This grade is also called "Gem" or "Gem Mint State" or "Gem BU." There may be scattered marks, hairlines or other defects, but they will be minor. Any spots on copper coins will also be minor. The coin must be well struck with positive (average or better) eye appeal. This is a NICE coin!
See Also -- Mint State Gem Gem BU
MS-66
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "66" (the numerical designation of that grade). This is not only a Gem-quality coin, but the eye appeal ranges from "above average" to "superb." The luster is usually far above average, and any toning can not impede the luster in any significant way. This is an extra-nice coin.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-67
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "67" (the numerical designation of that grade). A superb-quality coin! Any abrasions are extremely light and do not detract from the coin’s beauty in any way. The strike is extremely sharp (or full) and the luster is outstanding. This is a spectacular coin!
See Also -- Mint State
MS-68
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "68" (the numerical designation of that grade). A nearly perfect coin, with only minuscule imperfections visible to the naked eye. The strike will be exceptionally sharp and the luster will glow. This is an incredible coin.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-69
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "69" (the numerical designation of that grade). Virtually perfect in all departments, including wondrous surfaces, a 99% full strike (or better), full unbroken booming luster and show-stopping eye appeal. You may have to study this coin with a 5X glass to find the reason why it didn’t grade MS70.
See Also -- Mint State
MS-70
This is for "Mint State" (the grade) and "70" (the numerical designation of that grade). A perfect coin! Even with 5X magnification there are no marks, hairlines or luster breaks in evidence. The luster is vibrant, the strike is razor-sharp, and the eye appeal is the ultimate. Note: Minor die polish and light die breaks are not considered to be defects on circulation strike coins.

bennybravo

ttt