Question on grading

tome20

If you have a coin that is a weak strike, will that keep the coin out of a 65 holder. The particular coin i'm refering to is a 1901-s Morgan. Weak struck centers are common for that coin. Thanks in advance for your replies.

ddbird

I have found, on dates known with weak strikes they are alittle kinder....but still will prob. keep it out of a 65. Unless its a flawless coin.

Shamika

Are you kidding, I can show you a zillion weakly struck coins that are graded 65 and higher by PCGS. Give me a moment and I'll find one.

Shamika

Now here is a fully struck Buffalo:

1923 PCGS MS65 Notice the central details on the obverse and reverse. Also look at the Buffalo's head.


Now compare the fully struck Buffalo above to these three weakly struck coins:

1929 PCGS MS66 Take a close look at the area just above the Indian's braid, the braid itself, and the Buffalo's shoulder. The braid is virtually invisible and this one is graded MS66!

1935-D PCGS MS65 Take a close look at the Buffalo's shoulder and head.


1936-D PCGS MS65 Not only does this coin not have a full strike, but it also has a minor planchet flaw running right across the center of the reverse.


In PCGS's defense, I will say that the color and luster on all of these is very nice (especially on the 1929), but none of these have a full strike. This is the essence of market grading.

Steve27

Got a pic?

kranky

I don't think any coin should be graded based on "how they come" - and like Shamika said, that's market grading. But the reality is, that's how they do it.

BigGreek

There are some issues which cannot be commonly found well struck.
The 41-S Walker is a good example. So is the 21 Peace. When the
vast majority of coins are weak, they will lower their standards on
strike to allow coins into 65. Likewise, well struck coins may get
bumped a grade if they are rare.