EAC Grading: Choice, Average and Scudzy—how are these judged and are they always reflected in a net

Longacre

I was reading an article in the latest edition of Penny Wise. It gave a good “four step process” for determining an EAC grade. I think I understand the article, which focused on the price variations among coins that start out at the same numeric grade, but then get adjusted downward for various surface problems, marks, etc.

The article then discusses a further classification of the coins, which is part of the grading process-- classifying the coins as Choice, Average, or Scudzy. Does anyone know if Choice, Average and Scudzy is always taken into account in determining a net grade of an early copper? Are there circumstances in which two coins can have the same numeric grade, but one is considered Average, and the other is considered Scudzy? Does Choice, Average, and Scudzy determinations hold greater weight, lesser weight, or equal weight to the other factors in determing an overall grade for a coin? Lastly, is Scudzy always considered a detriment, or are there coins that always come scudzy and that factor is therefore given almost no weight in a net grade determination?

1798CentCollector

Points are typically taken away for problems the coin has. The descriptors take the detractions into account along with surfaces, as one would reasonably expect for grade, color and overal eye appeal. They become the sum of the parts so to speak and tend to go hand-inhand with the overall net grade. A coin assigned a grade of XF 45/ net 45 is a coin with very minor or no surface distractions- none disturbing and ess than expected for a slightly circulated copper , nice or excellent color, and will usually be asscociated with a coin in the range of choice to average plus - possibly average on occasion ( maybe the color is a bit too dark). A coin netted by 5 points, i.e., an XF 45 net 40 has few distractions, typical or above as expected for the grade and will usually be associated with a Average coin - if the surfaces are nice, good color minimal marks, no corrosion, still very attrractive it can earn an average plus designation - probably not choice though. A coin netted down 5-10 poinrts will be one with a few problems but still acceptable and usually nice looking for the grade. Usually these coins are in the average, somertimes average plus condition grade, At a net grade of 10 points below sharpness, you start to see coins that have more than the usual problems or distractions - which includes undesirable color that can begin to factor into a coin being described as average minus. More than 10 points in deductions and you are seeing coins with multiple problems - more than expected for the grade. Coins with this many detractions are either average minus or scudzy. A classic example that I have is the Breen Plate coin for the S-159. It's a sharply struck coin for the variety ( one of the sharpest stikes for an S-159. It has pretty hard glossy chocolate surfaces, however the coin has some rim bruises and 2 small digs on the obverse and on the reverse. The coin is graded XF 40 net 20. The 20 point deduction qualifies it as a Scudzy coin.

IMO Scudzy is a substandard coin in some way. Some varieties are struck on poor stock or otherwise are almost never found above average. Just as a choice coin will bring a premium a scudzy coin will usually suffer pricewise, unles maybe the coin is an NC or very rare example

rays

IMO the condition is more important than the sharpness. I have a chain cent with fine 15 sharpness, absolutely choice surfaces, no corrosion whatsoever that I love more than an AU chain I used to own. When I evaluate large cents to add to my collection, I consider the sharpness grade in context to rarity and how long it would take to get a sharper coin. Next, if the surfaces are not at least average, I pass. The only exception is when the coin is r6 or higher and a finer one either doesn't exist, costs too much, or never comes on the market. I once bought a no pole 1796 half cent certified as F15 by PCGS with some corrosion. However, only one specimen in the VF20 or less sharpness exists without problems (the Norweb) and it may never come on the market in my lifetime.