Should a coin that's struck off center be able to receive an MS68 grade?

dan1ecu

Here's an NGC MS68 Lincoln Cent:

1995 1C MS68

I'm not sure if it's just the way it was placed in the holder, but the coin looks like it's struck off center. In your opinion, would such a thing lower the eye appeal enough to preclude an MS68?

Dan

itsnotjustme

Yes. Since off-center is as struck, it should not be a penalty. I have an MS67 quarter with a big gouge across it--it was struck through wire.

In my opinion, that coin only looks off center due to the depth in the holder and the angle of the shot.

midwestcoin13

Any coin should be able to grade up to MS70 afterall its a coin.

techeff

Yes. Since off-center is as struck, it should not be a penalty.

The same would apply to softly struck coins. Afterall, it is "as struck."

kieferscoins

You grade the struck portion of the coin and if it grades MS-68 it deserves a 68 slab.

Cameron Kiefer

itsnotjustme

<< <i>The same would apply to softly struck coins. Afterall, it is "as struck." >>

Strike strength is one of the factors that goes into a coin, so I don't think of that as penalty, but a straight grade factor.

dlimb2

That coin is not off center, it is the picture that is making it look that way...look at the sides of the holder.

cladking

Coins that are struck noticeably off center should not grade superb gem or above. This usually
isn't a problem since coins of this quality are usually well centered anyway. Also, off center coins
frequently will have other strike deficiencies which preclude so high a grade.