So what does "Plus" mean? And how does that compare with the CAC standard?

Connecticoin

I see many suggesting that "Plus" means a "MS65+" coin is really "MS65.5" Do we really know that? Perhaps "plus" means the coin is an "A" coin, in that (supposedly) within a grade grader will assign an A, B, or C with the grade for "high end", "solid for the grade", and "low end". That would mean that "+" really means 65.7 through 65.9. Further, PCGS states on the website: "If PCGS designates a coin as a Plus, it has in our opinion multiple characteristics that place it in the top 10-15% of all coins in its grade. Coins meeting our strict requirements will have a "+" noted on the label." This seems to mean that the coin has to be an "A" AND have exception eye appeal for the grade. This seems to be a very strict standards such that only 65.8 and 65.9 coins would merit the "+".

As for CAC, my understanding is that "B" and "A" coins qualify for the sticker, which would mean only low end "C" coins are excluded. Even so, I suspect we may eventually hear stories of "+" Saints that get rejected by CAC.

Bottom line, it appears that, at least by definition, the "+" will be a much stricter standard than the CAC sticker.

Eagleguy

In one way PCGS has a brilliant strategy. If a CAC coin is sent to PCGS and it is deserving of a Plus, the coin gets re-holdered without a CAC sticker. The Plus sign effectively removes at least one CAC coin from the marketplace. Sure, a collector could (and some probably will) re-submit the coin to CAC and, since there is no longer a record of said coin in their database, it may get another bean. However, if the Plus designation gets more market credibility, there may be no reason to resubmit to CAC, especially when the collector has already paid extra for the Plus and would have to then pay another $10 for the bean.

JH

pmac

If you have time, watch the video. It explains + very well. And I do believe that this will end CAC with high end PCGS graded coins.

291fifth

How can any of you get excited by such vaguely defined "standards?"

notwilight

The way I read it, CAC is a higher percentage of the top coins in a grade than + so the + is more desirable. However, a + and a CAC sticker would probably be the most desirable. Then you have two expert opinions that this coin is very nice for the grade.

--Jerry