Pet Peeve re: top pop in numismatic literature
Gazes
Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have several numismatic books that focus on a date by date review of a series and will categorically state the finest known is a NGC 66 or NGC 67 etc. It seems like they just looked at the pops from pcgs and ngc and defer to the highest grade. The result is an appearance that the "best" coin a majority of the times is the NGC coin. With a little research, often it is clear the "best" coin is not the higher graded NGC coin. At a minimum, I wish these books would not use words like "the finest is..." if they are simply going to go by the highest graded by both services.
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In general, I agree. Correctly written, it would be "highest graded". The concept of finest known is usually subjective anyhow, except for cases where there is a single example that is several grades higher than the others.
Rather than just "like" ( this is so kindergarten ) BryceM, I'd like to add a few thoughts. The highest graded is not always, and in my area of collecting, rarely the "finest" graded is not the highest numerical grade. A civil war era half eagle heavily cleaned, but market acceptable, at a grade higher than one with original skin and beautifully toned, is not finer than the lower grade. I'd never accept that. Gazes, when you are referencing the highest graded simply refer to the TPG's sites, but when you are searching for the " finest ", or census "finest", the most certain source is your experts in the area you are interested in. An AU 55 in original skin with great color will beat a MS 61 with no color any day of the week, if we are talking rare coins. Gold or silver. But your question is a great question.
US Civil War coinage
Historical Medals
The problem with using "highest graded" is that NGC and PCGS are not the only grading services. To be fair, ANACS, SEGS, and any number of other grading services would have to be included.
The same exists with PCGS coins. Often the finest is not the numerically highest graded example. I prefer the terminology "highest graded" or "finest numerically" when describing coins like that.
Our hobby is now ruled by numerical grades and grading services. However, both the numerical grade and and opinion of 'finest known' are both subjective. Coins today, much like art, are now often judged by how they 'look'...this would include tarnish, reflective surfaces, cameo effect and other ethereal parameters that vary from one observer to the next. Under such circumstances, we can only listen to opinions, form our own and either agree or disagree among our compatriots. As for my preference.....I know it when I see it.
Cheers, RickO