Do you find that for PCGS-slabbed coins the difference between MS66 and MS67 is luster?

dan1ecu

I've got PCGS MS66 and MS67 coins, and they are very similar in terms of marks on the surfaces. What's different about them is the amount of luster. The 67's are more lustrous and have better (lighter) color.

From what I've seen, it's not the same with NGC-graded coins. It looks to me like they go by marks on the surface, with color and luster being almost incidental. Would you agree with that assessment? Do you think that NGC is starting to implement grading standards similar to those of PCGS in this regard?

Dan

Colorfulcoins

Certainly true for roosies.......

OKbustchaser

It depends mostly on whether or not the grader "got lucky" the night before.

Jim

keets

From what I've seen, it's not the same with NGC-graded coins.

hey Dan

NGC certainly considers luster, but i'd agree that it is ultra-important at PCGS, and not just for the higher grades. strong luster will help while weak luster and/or luster breaks can be costly. all it really takes is one AU58 (unless your name is MadMarty, then it may take............several) till most serious collectors/submitters will learn to check for breaks at high points, a sure sign of rub and not strike weakness.

that's not a bad thing and i think PCGS grades properly in that regard as does NGC. for the average collector it can sometimes be a subtlety that costs money and leads to the proverbial AU58 vs. MS62 debate.

al h.

Shamika

I've always had the opinion that PCGS places a stronger emphasis on luster and NCG places a stronger emphasis on strike.

Elcontador

In the material I collect, this is NOT true. The difference between a 6 & 7 is typically one minor contact mark in a grade-sensitive area, or the difference between a fully struck coin and one with a few softly struck points. The Liberty Nickel is a good example of the above. If a Liberty Nickel does not have outstanding luster, it won't be in a 6 holder in the first place. An SLQ is similar re my comment about luster and the contact mark(s), though incomplete strikes are not an issue with this series in general.

coinguy1

<< <i> Do you find that for PCGS-slabbed coins the difference between MS66 and MS67 is luster? >>

Not necessarily at all.

That can be the reason, but in many cases it is not the reason. Luster is just one component of grading. And, there are far too many other possible reasons why a coin might be graded 66 vs. 67 (or for that matter, any other grade instead of another) to attribute it to luster and not other factors.

rlawsha

As far as 1983 and 1982 quarters go (that's what I know best) I would say the difference between an MS66 and an MS67 is usually strike. An MS66 coin can have great luster and be mark free but unless the strike is good it will grade no better than an MS66. You can't say the same thing about luster and marks. I have seen some MS67 quaters in that date range with slight marks and not very good luster that graded MS67 but I have seen none with weak strike graded that high.

nwcs

At the ANA grading class I went to where the instructors were all NGC, luster was always they key difference between a 66 and 67 and 67 and 68. I asked one guy about a 67 and 68 dime where the 67 had fewer marks than the 68 and outstanding luster. he looked at it and said the 67 would have been a 68 but the luster was a little diminished from a dip. Then he showed me how he could tell it was dipped.

dan1ecu

nwcs - how can you tell if a coin is dipped? What do you look for?

Dan

Bear

Seems to be true for standing Liberty Quarters.

nwcs

<< <i>nwcs - how can you tell if a coin is dipped? What do you look for?

Dan >>

I know it sounds corny but it is diminished luster. If it was one other thing I learned from that is that if you see the best coins out there you have a better idea of what a coin *can* look like and can therefore judge better the coin's current grade.

coinguy1

<< nwcs - how can you tell if a coin is dipped? What do you look for?

Dan >>

"I know it sounds corny but it is diminished luster."

Oh, if only it were that convenient and easy! In many cases, regardless of the expertise of the viewer, it is impossible to tell whether a coin has been dipped or not.

nwcs

<< <i><< nwcs - how can you tell if a coin is dipped? What do you look for?

Dan >>

"I know it sounds corny but it is diminished luster."

Oh, if only it were that convenient and easy! In many cases, regardless of the expertise of the viewer, it is impossible to tell whether a coin has been dipped or not. >>

True, but those graders really made me believe!

LucyBop

In my experience with Frankies, Roosies, Washies, strong luster is almost a must for a ultra gem ms67 grade, the coin must still be relatively hit free with a strong strike.

Super luster and color often gives the coin the needed eye appeal for the bump to ultra gem ms67....

Ronyahski

Agree completely. I haven't seen a change with NGC. They certainly haven't been too tough on luster with those conserved coins.