What distinguishes an MS64 Sesqui from a much more expensive MS65?

dan1ecu

Can anyone tell me? Is there really THAT big a difference between a 64 and a 65 for this commemorative?

Thanks,

Dan

coinguy1

Dan, as is the case with just about any coin you could name, the differences between a 64 and a 65 (or between two other consecutive grades) can be extremely minor.

Sesqui's often have disturbances on the face on the obverse and the bell on the reverse, as well as in the fields. This issue can be found with bright, flashy luster, so that is not usually the distinguishing factor.

dan1ecu

Thanks, Mark - I noticed the big difference in prices... 65's cost almost 10 times what a 64 costs! If and when I buy one, I guess I'll look for a nice MS64...

Dan

BillJones

Mostly the label on the holder.

I've never seen an MS-65 Sesqui half dollar that I thought was REALLY worth that kind of premium. The coins were not well made, and even the best ones are not that attrative.

Save yourself a BUNDLE and buy a PQ MS-64 like this.

dan1ecu

Bill -

That IS a nice looking coin!

Dan

DRUNNER

From the standpoint of a grader or a consumer (collector?

As a collector . .. it almost seems to be a crapshoot. So many 64s completely blow away the 65s, so unless you are a Registry guy (I have a Registry Set . . .but I'm not going to spring for a 65!!!) why not go for the 64 that has a killer look as opposed to the 65 which has a number but looks like a mediocre 63? Same thing happens to the Monroe . . .

As a grader, I actually can't answer the question. I realize they were minted without much care, and the design is low-relief . . .and the open fields and exposed surfaces make them prone to hits . . .etc. Still . . . I don't know what carries the most weight on the strike/luster/marks/eye appeal chart . . .

DRUNNER

keets

hey Dan

perhaps it's better to consider the strike qualities of the issue before considering the difference in one grade point. while Mark must not agree, many, many coins just don't have good luster, either as a result of weak strikes or a dip to help their appearance. the result is that the majority of the coins that were struck will only grade MS63, tops. if you look at enough MS coins, you'll notice two main groups; 1. those with a pock-marked cheek of Washington and weakness of the bell lettering Pass and Stow...... with nice luster/ 2. those with a clean cheek with readable lettering and weak luster.

the coins graded MS64 will generally have a clean cheek, strong lettering and nice luster----all the result of a better strike. most coins i've seen that grade MS65 have the added caveat of toning to some degree or a frosty-softness to the luster that sets them apart.

please keep in mind that these are just my observations from several years of searching for a nice MS63/64 with some personality.

now, if you really wanna get me riled up, let's talk about the Isabella Quarter!!!!!!! considering the total mintage at around 25,000 this has to be about the most abused issue in U.S. coinage history. i think the average grade is ANACS MS details, cleaned, net AU58.

al h.

Conder101

Number on the label. How the graders were feeling that day etc.