How do NGC and PCGS Compare on Grading Kennedy Halves?

moosesr

The PCGS coins seem to bring more money than NGC coins on the auctions I have checked, but does anyone have an opinion on how the grading differs between the two services?

Charlie

PhillyJoe

My novice opinion is that both are very close grading a proof 68 or a 69. I see a difference in their cameo and deep cameo designation. I think NGC has a broader range for the cameos. An UltraCameo at NGC may be either a cameo or ultra at PCGS. I've seen NGC cameos side by side where I would call one a brilliant and the other a cameo. PCGS will only give a deep cameo if both sides are D/C. NGC is a little more generous if the reverse is not quite there.

Joe

wingedliberty

Exactly the same. That has been my experience. They are both strict and consistent on Kennedy halves.

Russ

Joe, (who sure as hell ain't a novice with Kennedy halves), is right on the money. A couple things to add, though.

The two companies have a different approach to the cameo and deep cameo designations. NGC's focus leans more toward the frostiness of the devices. PCGS leans more toward the depth of the mirrors. So, crossing a coin in either direction is a crapshoot unless one knows the emphasis each uses when granting the designations.

In business strikes, PCGS likes a certain "look". Basically blazing luster and monster cartwheel, or attractive toning. Either of those will put a technical MS65 coin in to an MS66 holder. NGC doesn't really seem to place as much emphasis on the "look" of the coin in this series. I think that may be because they have the star designation available as a tool and can use it when warranted, rather than a grade bump.

Russ, NCNE

moosesr

Russ, don't I remember a post where you said you picked up a NGC Kennedy half from Teletrade a few weeks ago where you said if it was in a PCGS holder it would be worth several times the price you paid for it?

Russ

Charlie,

That would be this one:



It was graded MS66 and I believe that, technically, NGC was correct in that grade. However, that coin doesn't (or didn't) have the "look" that PCGS, (or I, for that matter), likes.

It does now, though:



Russ, NCNE

moosesr

Wow!!!! Did you do that with MS70?

PhillyJoe

Russ, THAT is the fudliest NGC MS66 and probably the nicest soon-to-be PCGS MS 66. It's got the "look" now. You saw potential in that coin and everyone else passed.

PCGS has graded over 300 1969 Kennedys in Pr69 D/C. Ken's is one of the nicest I've seen. Mine is nice, and I've seen some for sale that I wouldn't want in my collection - all graded the same. Buy the coin and not the holder is some of the smartest advice I ever received.

Joe