Why should Luster be that important?
DoubleEagle59
Posts: 8,331 ✭✭✭✭✭
Below are five of my nicest Morgans that I have purchased over the years at various coin shows (mostly raw).
Technically, they are just about flawless. I grade them ms65. However, they are all lacking in luster.
PQ original toning, pristine coin, yet low on the luster scale.
I am hesitant to send these in for grading (US TPG's) as they'll most likely only get ms64.
Here in Canada (at ICCS), I know they would grade ms65, (1891-o ms64) but I'm doubtful with the US TPG's because they put more emphasis on luster.
However, I love this type of coin and will always be a willing purchaser of them.
Would you rather own this type of coin or would you rather have a coin with booming luster but with more hits on the surfaces.
1878
1878-cc
1890
1891-o
1898-o
Technically, they are just about flawless. I grade them ms65. However, they are all lacking in luster.
PQ original toning, pristine coin, yet low on the luster scale.
I am hesitant to send these in for grading (US TPG's) as they'll most likely only get ms64.
Here in Canada (at ICCS), I know they would grade ms65, (1891-o ms64) but I'm doubtful with the US TPG's because they put more emphasis on luster.
However, I love this type of coin and will always be a willing purchaser of them.
Would you rather own this type of coin or would you rather have a coin with booming luster but with more hits on the surfaces.
1878
1878-cc
1890
1891-o
1898-o
"Gold is money, and nothing else" (JP Morgan, 1912)
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
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Comments
I like your coins. But I loooooove luster.
It is also often indicative of a coin's overall grade as well.
But in the end it is up to each of us to place a subjective value to good luster, and what's right for one person isn't necessarily right for another.
Respectfully...Mike
Frankly, my experience with ICCS versus the US TPGs has been the opposite.
I've had ICCS MS64 Morgans and Peace dollars that have been cracked out (or slit out, as it were) and re-graded at both PCGS and NGC at MS66. Of the 14 Morgan and Peace dollars i've owned that were ICCS, all but one were upgraded at PCGS (8 out of nine) while the remaining were all upgraded at NGC.
Camelot
<< <i>Give me luster, the lack of luster indicates the coin surface is damaged (toning is damage). >>
ricko's alter identity?
Camelot
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase/2819
weak luster with strong detail usually means something has been done to the coin such as a dip.
weak luster on a coin toned like yours tells me that the coins were dipped and have retoned.
the tone is probably the result of imcomplete rinsing after the dip and storage in an environment that contains some type of contaminant.
it is possible to have coins with strong luster and attractive tone, although given enough time the luster will be affected.
PCGS more than the other major grading services tends to place a premium on luster.
PCGS is correct in doing so.
my name is Al and i have not had any Koolaid this evening.
<< <i>Give me luster, the lack of luster indicates the coin surface is damaged (toning is damage). >>
I have a question. If toning is damage, and luster is a prime component in a grade, why do toned coins get very high grades?
<< <i>"I have lustered in my heart." >>
If you get this you're over 45.
Lance.
<< <i>
<< <i>"I have lustered in my heart." >>
If you get this you're over 45.
Lance. >>
Not tellin' my age, but unfortunately, I'll admit to having had a few of Jimmy's heart stirrings over the years too.
- Jim
<< <i>Yes, but did you smite a rabbit with a canoe paddle? >>
No, but only because I've lacked the opportunity; I've never seen a rabbit swimming that close to my canoe!
- Jim
He lusted in his heart, he fought off a threatening rabbit with a canoe paddle, he put his darling little daughter Amy into Washington D.C. Public Schools when he first took up residence in the White House and if I recall I believe he publicly stated that "America's best days are over" while in office. He also was paralyzed over the Iranian Hostage Crisis, unable to act to rescue the hostages [particularly after the helicopter crash in the desert].
What I remember most about his administration is his brother Billy and "Billy Berr".
With respect to luster, some of my favorite coins are in a set of toned MS silver Roosies that I picked up a couple of years ago. Toning has definitely subdued the luster on some of these coins; however there are about 8-10 coins that have beautiful rainbow toning and blazing luster. Under good lighting the luster just booms off of these coins. Definitely some of the most beautiful coins that I have.
Empty Nest Collection
Matt’s Mattes
The strike on the other 2 look a bit weak.
Well it is not important if strike and mark-free surfaces are not present.
But to have a combination of luster and toning is the most awesome when strike and surfaces are superior as well.
In my opinion they do lack luster and that is the first thing I look for when viewing a coin especially the morgan series.
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<< <i>strong luster means a crisp strike.
weak luster with strong detail usually means something has been done to the coin such as a dip.
weak luster on a coin toned like yours tells me that the coins were dipped and have retoned.
the tone is probably the result of imcomplete rinsing after the dip and storage in an environment that contains some type of contaminant.
it is possible to have coins with strong luster and attractive tone, although given enough time the luster will be affected.
PCGS more than the other major grading services tends to place a premium on luster.
PCGS is correct in doing so.
my name is Al and i have not had any Koolaid this evening.
You drank it all this mourning!
https://www.smallcopperguy.com
For the same reason cut is important in diamonds
I think you should send the coins in and take a chance. Until the coin is in hand, it's all just speculatin'.
Reminds me of Bill Cosby's schtick about the kid who asked "Why is there air"?
and they're cold.
I don't want nobody to shoot me in the foxhole."
Mary
Best Franklin Website
I like luster, but I'll generally take clean surfaces, a strong strike, and originality over luster.
<< <i>"Why should Luster be that important?"
Reminds me of Bill Cosby's schtick about the kid who asked "Why is there air"? >>
To fill up basketballs.