Grading question - pictures added

pnylvr

Would a coin that is heavily struck thru grease have a maximum grade? Would it be in the 65 range?

BillJones

First such a coin would be a real bear to grade if it was struck through a lot of grease and much of the detail is impaired or missing. Such coins must be graded by surfaces, which means that mint luster and presence or absence of marks would be a major part of the grading process. One really has to analyze the nature of any marks, and the job is much harder because the detail imposed by direct die to planchet contact is missing.

Having said that, I can’t see a grease struck through coin grading any higher than MS-65, and that could be a stretch. In my view coins that grade MS-66 and higher should be superior strikes. If the strike is poor or mediocre the coin can’t qualify as a superior mint state coin regardless of the preservation of the mint surface. I would never consider paying an MS-66 price for a coin with poor eye appeal or poorly defined devices.

pnylvr

Thanks, I have added photos for a better idea of what I am talking about. Will reveal the grade later.