NGC MS60? I don't think so. . .

Draco

For those of you that get the superior galleries catalog mailed to you, check out the 1796 draped bust half dime on page 92. The reverse of this coin has some pretty deep scratches. Is this a characteristic of the die at that time or did this coin suffer some brutal treatment? My vote is for the latter, but I'm not 100% on it. If the latter is true, then how did NGC manage to give this coin grade of MS60? My opinion is that with scratches that bad, it's a 10 point subtraction for US coins that old (maybe more). Would PCGS BB this coin?

Thoughts?

Barndog

I believe what you are likely seeing are called "adjustment marks" -- a mint-made mark or series of marks to ensure the coin was within weight tolerances. It was standard practice of the day.

airplanenut

I can't see the coin, but I was thinking adjustment marks, too... even the MS66 1794 dollar has them

PerryHall

<< <i>I believe what you are likely seeing are called "adjustment marks" -- a mint-made mark or series of marks to ensure the coin was within weight tolerances. It was standard practice of the day. >>



Mint workers would take a file and remove metal to bring the planchet into weight tolerances. High relief areas of the coin tend to show the marks while low relief areas tend to flatten and obliterate the adjustment marks. In theory it shouldn't effect the grade since its mint made but it does effect value.

BillJones

This 1796 dime has adjustment marks on the reverse by the rim at 6:00 o'clock. They do not affect the grade, which is a PCGS AU-50.



There are also adjustment marks at 9 o'clock on this 1804 quarter eagle.

tradedollarnut

Definitely adjustment marks.

BillJones

Adjustment marks are not supposed to affect the grade of the coin, but they can be very detrimental to the eye appeal, desirability and ultimately the price of the coin.

I’d say that the marks on this 1796 half dime are a detriment to this piece. Since I can’t see the obverse I would not hazard naming a grade, but the MS-60 grade could be reflection of the amount of surface that they cover on this coin.