Question on PCGS grading of Barbers...

dan1ecu

Here's the definition of MS/PR65 according to the PCGS web site:

"MS/PR65 - Minor marks/hairlines though none in focal areas, above average strike"

I'm assuming that hairlines and slide marks on the portrait are common on these coins, as the portrait is a high point of the design (true?). Would these preclude a 65 grade? Is it common to see Barbers in 65 holders that have minor marks on liberty's face?

Thanks,

Dan

Barberman55

Slight marks on the face are common for Barbers in MS-65. I don't think that PCGS would accept heavy slide marks across the cheek, (even though slide marks are common on Barbers) for a MS-65 grade.

Dog97

It's too dam common to see 65's with marks on the face. Reason being is that what you see on sleazeBay, TT, Heritage, dealer sites etc is lowend overgraded junk. The real 65's are stashed away in somebody's collection and never for sale. I avoid marked up faces, I'd rather have a lower graded coin with a small patch of hair in the field or ticks in the fields than have a marked up face.