Grading a Weak Strike

MarkInDavis

Grading coins can be tough, but grading coins with weak strikes makes it much more difficult. In the Walker short set, the 1941-S is known to have a very weak strike. Here are 3 examples, the first is in an ICG holder and the final 2 in PCGS holders. What do they grade? (No genuines - all graded). Which one do you like most?

Edit: I have revealed the grades. I like the strike on Coin 3 best - the PCGS AU58. The eagle's neck feathers are a bit flat though and that may be the reason for the 58. The 64 has a weaker strike than I'd like but it is very clean.

Coin 1: ICG MS63


Coin2 : PCGS MS64


Coin3 : PCGS AU58

ormandh

I think that they should be graded accordingly; the coins should be graded as if they were circulated if it was a weak strike. Even if the coin has not been circulated it is not the best example of the series. Why should the coin be treated any other way? Why would my coin with a good strike be compared to one with a weak strike? It is like comparing a student which is the best student from a second rate college to a student who graduated first in his/her class from a first rate college. JMHO. -Dan

ormandh

Obverse 1st ,reverse last. With that being said #2 coin is the best. JMHO. -Dan

50cents

1)64
2)65
3)65

I would pass on all of them and hunt for a better strike.

drwstr123

1) 65
2) 63
3) 64

Ahrensdad

64, 65, 64

IrishMikey

I like coin 2 the best.

Walkerguy21D

Well, ICG may have graded their coin higher, but technically coin #2 should grade the highest, based on the crisp luster and mostly clean surfaces. Guessing it grades a 64, as the strike kept it from a 5 holder. I'll guess coin #3 is 63. Coin #1 would be a 63 maybe 62 in a PCGS holder, but I'll guess ICG graded it a 64 - to add, the haze on this coin makes it more difficult to estimate the grade from the photo.

airplanenut

<< <i>I think that they should be graded accordingly; the coins should be graded as if they were circulated if it was a weak strike. Even if the coin has not been circulated it is not the best example of the series. Why should the coin be treated any other way? Why would my coin with a good strike be compared to one with a weak strike? It is like comparing a student which is the best student from a second rate college to a student who graduated first in his/her class from a first rate college. JMHO. -Dan >>

All of grading is a comparison. If a coin has no wear, it is MS60 or higher... that's how grading is defined. A coin might not be MS70 for numerous reasons--chatter, wear, lustre, etc. With your example, why should your well struck coin that has a hit on obverse be compared with a similar piece without that particular hit? Strike is simply a factor that goes into the whole grading picture.

MarkInDavis

Grades revealed in original post.

coinkat

Lustre is is the key with a weak strike- and technically for any strike