Grading Question

lunytune2

I read elsewhere on the forum that PCGS graders use 5x magnification . If I have a coin that has an old cleaning , but can't see it without 30x magnification , am I good to send it in ?

astrorat

I think you will find that most professional coin graders use no magnification unless the coin requires a closer look. If your coin has been cleaned, it may not require 30x magnification for a professional grader to see it.

stman

I'm certainly no professional grader. But I'm fairly sharp at detecting any kind of hairlines from cleaning. I can use a 5x and at the right lighting, and angle see them better than larger magnification. This works best for me.

lunytune2

It was already genuined in April of 2011 , but thought it may get through a second time.

lcoopie

I think they will see it without any magnification.

BryceM

Whay you are looking at through a 30x loupe and what the graders are seeing without magnification might be two different things........

grote15

If the average coin is graded in 5-6 seconds, how much magnification do you think a grader is going to use?

LindeDad

Magnification is not as important as LIGHTING most of the time IMO.

And I've heard they at PCGS only use on problem coins or possible 70's.

PerryHall

<< <i>Magnification is not as important as LIGHTING most of the time IMO. >>



Yup. Rotate and tilt your coin under a bright halogen light and you'll frequently see a patch or pattern of microscopic hairlines from improper cleaning.

lunytune2

Nevermind LOL !

TommyType

<< <i>Magnification is not as important as LIGHTING most of the time IMO.
>>



Agree with this.

I have an MS-61 Walker that looks like an MS-65 with a casual glance, and even a 5x cheapo magnifier. But I have a 5x magnifier with a built-in LED light that I call my "hairline finder". Put that baby on the coin, and it's immediately obvious why it's a 61, and nobody would miss the hairlines!!