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Luster effect on Morgan Grading
nags
Posts: 913 ✭✭✭✭
How much of an effect does lackluster luster have on the grade? As an example, I recently bought this 1879 P GSA dollar on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170978985977?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
It's by no means a rare non-cc gsa, but it ain't one of the more common ones. The price was relatively low so I bought it. In hand the hits/contact marks are actually fairly minimal and it looks alot better in hand because the holder is pretty scratched up. The luster is fairly represented in the ebay photos. It's not completely flat, but definitely not flashy.
As a component of grade, what impact does the luster have in conjuction with the hits/marks/strike... Thanks in advance...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170978985977?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
It's by no means a rare non-cc gsa, but it ain't one of the more common ones. The price was relatively low so I bought it. In hand the hits/contact marks are actually fairly minimal and it looks alot better in hand because the holder is pretty scratched up. The luster is fairly represented in the ebay photos. It's not completely flat, but definitely not flashy.
As a component of grade, what impact does the luster have in conjuction with the hits/marks/strike... Thanks in advance...
0
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I think your coin would grade 63 at best, and 62 is certainly in play.
<< <i>How much of an effect does lackluster luster have on the grade? As an example, I recently bought this 1879 P GSA dollar on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170978985977?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
It's by no means a rare non-cc gsa, but it ain't one of the more common ones. The price was relatively low so I bought it. In hand the hits/contact marks are actually fairly minimal and it looks alot better in hand because the holder is pretty scratched up. The luster is fairly represented in the ebay photos. It's not completely flat, but definitely not flashy.
As a component of grade, what impact does the luster have in conjuction with the hits/marks/strike... Thanks in advance... >>
Luster is one of the major factors in grading and many people forget it. The biggest difference between the Avg AU58 and an AU50 = (luster). The difference between an Avg MS65 and 63? Luster. To grade you have to view the coin in its totality and a coin can make up or lose points for one attribute or another based off the standard.
Such a MS65 that is completely flat could easily end up in a MS62 holder where a MS64 with stunning eye appeal and luster can find its way into a 66 holder. It is more pronounced in the AU ranges where the difference between AU and XF is % of remaining luster and that applies to 53,55,58 as well.
An attractive Cir with only a little high point wear but heavy tone and less than 33% luster makes for an attriactive XF45. 33-50% = AU50 except if the grade is used to net a higher AU coin.
bob
Eric
<< <i>do you think it is a 65 or 66? >>
Not even close. Compared to other NGC graded GSA dollars I'd say based on the bag marks and hits it would be a solid 63, but the luster is definitely not stellar. My general question wasn't particularily about this coin, I was just using it as an example of a coin that wasn't high in the luster category.
As an aside, I only saw one of these in Heritage's completed auctions. It was graded ms62 and sold for $690 in May of 2009.
If an o mint coin has any that is o.k.
<< <i>
<< <i>do you think it is a 65 or 66? >>
Not even close. Compared to other NGC graded GSA dollars I'd say based on the bag marks and hits it would be a solid 63, but the luster is definitely not stellar. My general question wasn't particularily about this coin, I was just using it as an example of a coin that wasn't high in the luster category.
As an aside, I only saw one of these in Heritage's completed auctions. It was graded ms62 and sold for $690 in May of 2009. >>
I dunno. If I received this in the mail sight unseen as a solid 63 it would go back in the mail. My imagination - but is the Obv. pic much smaller now?
Eric
<< <i>Now we are bordering on one of my pet peeves. The luster must be exceptional on an s mint coin.
If an o mint coin has any that is o.k. >>
This one isn't an S, it is no mint mark (P)
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>do you think it is a 65 or 66? >>
Not even close. Compared to other NGC graded GSA dollars I'd say based on the bag marks and hits it would be a solid 63, but the luster is definitely not stellar. My general question wasn't particularily about this coin, I was just using it as an example of a coin that wasn't high in the luster category.
As an aside, I only saw one of these in Heritage's completed auctions. It was graded ms62 and sold for $690 in May of 2009. >>
I dunno. If I received this in the mail sight unseen as a solid 63 it would go back in the mail. My imagination - but is the Obv. pic much smaller now?
Eric >>
I don't think the picture is different. When I see a non-cc GSA that I don't have I generally make a run at it if it is reasonably priced. I think only 51 or so of the 1879-P GSA's have been certified. If an upgrade is available in the future that is great. I frankly don't care if it graded a 60 or a 64, and I don't have any plans to grade any of my GSAs. Thanks for the comments.