Have you ever known PCGS to overlook a weakness in one area because of a strength in another?

dan1ecu

When assigning a particular grade, will PCGS overlook an extra hit or two because of a particularly strong strike? Will they forgive a slight dullness in luster because of rainbow toning? Will they tolerate a few more luster breaks than usual because of otherwise outstanding eye appeal?

How often do you see PCGS compromise by winking at a weakness in one area due to a strength in another? Would you consider this to be "market grading?"

Dan

JohnZ

Ask MadMarty to show you his fingerprinted Lincoln.

I would say the answer to your question is yes.

Russ

Yes, they do it. With cameo coins that don't quite make the designation they frequently give an extra point. A technical grade MS66 SMS coin might go MS67 because it is very close to cameo, thus enhancing the eye appeal. Or, on a very strong cameo or deep cameo coin, they might be a touch more forgiving of hairlines and grade it a little higher.

They do the same thing for color and for eye popping luster. Many of the higher graded early Kennedy business strikes got the grade because of eye appeal, not because of technical merit.

I'm sure they would deny these things, but anybody who submits regularly knows it happens.

Russ, NCNE

dorkkarl

of course they do, which is appropriate. for example, a bust dollar w/ light graffiti, might be overlooked if the originality is excellent & the coin has outstanding eye-appeal.

K S

JrGMan2004

Wouldn't graffitti be considered damage?

Elcontador

I've seen eye appeal pull rank over clean surfaces (ie., contact marks) lots of times with Unc. type re super-grade coins.

paigowjohnny

In my one good example...no. I sent in an 85-S Morgan that was pretty baggy but had incredible luster, sharp strike for a date that often comes weak, and very frosty devices. I figured those 3 would overcome the baggy look...thought I could pull at least a 62...got a 61 (and I didn't even think it was baggy enough for a 61, but then, I'm not the pro )

dorkkarl

yes, graffiti is damage, but so is "wear". so are rim dings, slide marks, staple scratches, spots, etc. if the "damage" is slight enough, it's perfectly legit to overlook if the rest of the coin is awesome.

K S

DennisH

Yes.

PCGS is slightly more forgiving with marks on Morgan dates that typically come horribly struck (1891-O, 1892-O, etc.) if they have a strong strike and great lustre... but my experience has been that they have to have both.

geb209

<< <i>yes, graffiti is damage, but so is "wear". so are rim dings, slide marks, staple scratches, spots, etc. >>



Wear is not damage. PCGS doesnt grade damaged coins (BB No. 98). PCGS does grade worn coins. P-1 through AU-58. Simply not the same.