Surface Preservation is the most important factor in determining a grade; strike, luster and eye-app
relayer
Posts: 10,570 ✭
This is Jim Halperin's formula, I don't just make this stuff up (or usually not)
After getting past BB's use the following chart:
OBVERSE
_____ Surface Preservation (1-5) times two
_____ Strike (1-5)
_____ Luster (1-5)
_____ Eye-Appeal (1-5)
_____ Obverse Total
REVERSE
_____ Surface Preservation (1-5) times two
_____ Strike (1-5)
_____ Luster (1-5)
_____ Eye-Appeal (1-5)
_____ Reverse Total
Now relate these totals to grades:
5 or better = 60
10.75 or better, with a surface grade of at least 1.5 = 61
13.5 or better, with a strike of at least 2 and surface of at least 2.5 = 62
16 or better, with a surface at least 3; and luster, strike and eye appeal at least 2.5 = 63
18 or better, with surface at least 3.25; and luster, strike, and eye appeal at least 3 = 64
20 or better, with surface preservation and strike at least 4, and luster and eye appeal at least 3.5 = 65
21.5 or better, with all components at least 4 = 66
23 or better, with surface preservation at least 4.5; and all other components at least 4 = 67
Note: The lower-graded side is usually the assigned grade. Borderline cases in which the obverse side is at the top end of the grade and the reverse is borderline may be assigned the obverse grade.
After getting past BB's use the following chart:
OBVERSE
_____ Surface Preservation (1-5) times two
_____ Strike (1-5)
_____ Luster (1-5)
_____ Eye-Appeal (1-5)
_____ Obverse Total
REVERSE
_____ Surface Preservation (1-5) times two
_____ Strike (1-5)
_____ Luster (1-5)
_____ Eye-Appeal (1-5)
_____ Reverse Total
Now relate these totals to grades:
5 or better = 60
10.75 or better, with a surface grade of at least 1.5 = 61
13.5 or better, with a strike of at least 2 and surface of at least 2.5 = 62
16 or better, with a surface at least 3; and luster, strike and eye appeal at least 2.5 = 63
18 or better, with surface at least 3.25; and luster, strike, and eye appeal at least 3 = 64
20 or better, with surface preservation and strike at least 4, and luster and eye appeal at least 3.5 = 65
21.5 or better, with all components at least 4 = 66
23 or better, with surface preservation at least 4.5; and all other components at least 4 = 67
Note: The lower-graded side is usually the assigned grade. Borderline cases in which the obverse side is at the top end of the grade and the reverse is borderline may be assigned the obverse grade.
My posts viewed
timessince 8/1/6
0
Comments
PCGS graders skip the chart, and give their opinions after looking at the coin for 5 seconds.
My posts viewed
since 8/1/6
<< <i>PCGS graders skip the chart, and give their opinions after looking at the coin for 5 seconds. >>
As do most people. Seriously, I have never heard of people figuring and using a formula to grade coins. To me, first impression counts for about 80% of a coin's grade, and I adjust the grade only if after more careful scrutiny I find something I missed, which makes a significant difference in the coin's desirability (such as cleaning, or major hits I overlooked)
I believe that reference is a bit dated. I wonder what he would say today.
My gripe with PCGS is the lack of an over-time consistency-of-grading measure. Looking at a grading set helps some but can not be the entire answer: we all see what we want to see, that's why the same coin will grade all over the map with different TPGs and different graders. To make matters worse, what we want to see changes over time, both short term and long term.
The only way to standardize grading over time is to employ proven "quality control" mechanisms that manufacturing and other industries have found helpful to standardize products and services.
Another rant, SORRY! Rob
Questions about Ikes? Go to The IKE GROUP WEB SITE
<< <i>I believe that reference is a bit dated. >>
Found it! N.C.I. Grading Guide - Copyright 1986
the condition of the die though there are some differences in planchet and die preparation.
Generally modern grading comes down to strike quality and marking.