HELP! 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter grading

veryfine

I've been on the hunt for an acceptable 1927-S slq in an XF or possibly AU grade. However, this particular date seems to be graded differently from others within this series, even by the top third party graders.
I realize the 27-s is notoriously weekly struck. The lack of head detail is also well known for this issue. The confusion on my part pertains to what graders call VF-30, VF-35, XF-40 and XF-45. For some reason, I am often in agreement with the Fine and Low VF grades. But I do see encapsulated XF 27-s quarters that one might call VF-30 or 35.
Any thoughts on this tricky grading issue?

GoldenEyeNumismatics

Go through Heritage archives and you can find plenty of graded examples to compare to.

coinbuf

This is not an uncommon problem and one that pops up in other denominations as well. Take Morgans, its a well know fact that the "O" mint dollars in certain yrs were offten poorly struck due to overused dies. As a result these flat strikes are often given lots of leeway when graded, there was a post just in the last day or two where the op was asking about this very issue on a 1883-o Morgan. As a collector you have to know that while a particular issue/mm may be plaged with soft/weak strikes there will also be sharp examples out there, we just have to keep looking for them.

TomB

This isn't the specific help you requested, but this general bit of advice is the best I can do; as a knowledgeable and experienced collector, buy the coin that satisfies you and your requirements instead of buying the coin that sits in the TPG holder of the grade you would like to own.

veryfine

<< <i>This isn't the specific help you requested, but this general bit of advice is the best I can do; as a knowledgeable and experienced collector, buy the coin that satisfies you and your requirements instead of buying the coin that sits in the TPG holder of the grade you would like to own. >>


Yes, that's always good advice.
But an XF-45 coin in an AU holder will usually result in an AU price, especially if graded by the top grading companies.
In my case, there is no substitute for patience. After all, I waited years to find a suitable 23-S AU quarter, so why not wait a few more years?