Have they got grading down to a science yet?

dan1ecu

Hi, Everybody -

Do you think that PCGS has dealt with enough coins over the years that they pretty much can grade anything without difficulty? Have they "seen it all" at this point?

Do you think they've settled on standards that are essentially permanent? What do you think it would take for drastic changes in grading standards to be made? Do you think any drastic changes need to be made?

Dan

kieferscoins

"Have they got grading down to a science yet?"

No, and they never will.

"Have they "seen it all" at this point?"

No, new coins and conditions are coming from hoards and shipwrecks and they have not seen it all.

"Do you think they've settled on standards that are essentially permanent?"

No, grading evolves with all the services.

"Do you think any drastic changes need to be made?"

Drastic? No. Small changes? yes, like turnaround times, fees etc.

Cameron Kiefer

Steve27

"Have they got grading down to a science yet?"

No, they're not even close. In the future I believe there will be multiple numbers on slabs, one technical grade, and one for color (similar to diamond grading).

cladking

Grading can never truly be a science simply because the various aspects of a coin's
grade will always be a matter of opinion. It can in a sense become fixed by simply
describing the grade and allowing market forces to settle the value.

Many coins are common with a very wise array of surface conditions and this will al-
ways present a problem to those who would grade or desribe a coin.

ER

Eye appeal can never be graded by science.

Conder101

<< <i>"Have they got grading down to a science yet?" >>


Yes, that of alchemy. They have some things right, unterthings they don't, and in the meantime they continue searching for "the philosophers stone" while they keep trying to turn Lead (MS-63) into Gold (MS-68 and up).

adriana

In my opinion the only solution is laser computerization. This way no matter what professional grading service grades the coin, it will always come out right providing they use the same technology, the same type of equipment.

nwcs

That won't work either so long as a large part of a grade consists of eye appeal which by definition is going to be a matter of opinion.

Bear

As soon as the volume of coins for grading slows down, we will see

a new improved system to increase a coins value or ego status. Grades

will include PQ status and color grading, requiring that many graded coins will

be resubmitted for the coveted new grading adjectives.Not really a bad idea .

Perhaps the grading could be done the same way we grade olives.

Jumbo, gigantic , super humungous and finally monster.

Stuart

Bear: Interesting observations and prediction -- Don't forget aboout Virgin Olive Oil also...

PCI used to grade coins using the PQ designation (old Green Border Labels) and also used to designate % Toning...