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What are Pilgrim commems graded on?
topstuf
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This issue is a poser. I'm looking at several and seeing hardly (Or no) difference (at least in the images) between 63 and higher.
I can actually SEE grade differentials on the others, but the Pilgrim is throwing me for a loop.
???
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I'm not sure I understand the question, especially as related to MS 63 coins where things like high point wear should not be an issue and where strength of strike is not yet an issue. Do you have examples?
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Not specific. I'm just not seeing appreciable difference in browsing several coins.
After looking at some examples on eBay and other sources I see your point. Some 63's look very clean well struck and appear from the pix to have good luster. I would like to see a Pilgrim Photo grade to see them lined up and graded.
""What are Pilgrim commems graded on?""
They are graded on workstation tables with a soft surface, correct lighting and about 7x magnification.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
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Then browse MORE.
Heritage archives should have hundreds of images. 
Strike, center,color go into grade after the normal counting of the scratch/marks
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center? Centering is more a stamp and currency issue. I'm confused. Is that an autocorrect?
Color is more controversial, of course. It's not really in the grading guidelines...other than AT.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
What are Pilgrim commems graded on?
I don't know what they're graded on, but I've heard lots of people speculate on what the graders are taking and it's probably the same for all coins, not just Pilgrims.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I believe it's the same with BTWs and WCs.
They are graded on a sliding scale from 1 to 70. ForUncirculated examples, look in the ANA Grading Guide under Morgan dollars. You'll see a very helpful chart to use as an initial guide. You may wish to stay with coins slabbed by the four major grading services until you learn what original coins look like and the differences within Uncirculated grades. Images are helpful when you know what to look for; however examining graded coins is more efficient.
I went for this one that has the subtle appearance of a pewter medallic rendition.
But I still don't see the grading criteria elements.
LOL
I think what you really mean to say is that you don't see the marks on the coin. For UNC coins, the only issue in the lower MS grades is the number of marks. In the higher MS grades, things like strike become an issue as well.
I think the issue is the texture to the coin which makes it hard to pick up some of the marks from the photos.
Unfortunately, I only have two Pilgrims in hand right now: 1920 (PCGS MS62, OGH) and a 1921 (PCGS MS65 CAC). The 65 clearly has better luster in hand. At first glance, the marks on either pilgrim aren't obvious. Under magnification, you can see more small contact marks on the 62, many of which are kind of "hidden" in the devices.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
ANA Grading Guide, 6th Edition, pp#267.
ANA Grading Guide, 5th Edition, pp#287.
ANA Grading Guide, 4th Edition, pp#271.
ANA Grading Guide, 1st to 3rd Editions in storage at the moment.
@jmlanzaf said: "I think what you really mean to say is that you don't see the marks on the coin. For UNC coins, the only issue in the lower MS grades is the number of marks. In the higher MS grades, things like strike become an issue as well."
I'll suggest that you may wish to read the page in one of the Editions I posted above.
I've found these charts to be extremely simple to use and they get a beginning grader within 1/2 to 1 point of a Morgan dollar's grade virtually all of the time once they learn what original luster, marks, etc look like. With a little practice, the chart works for most coins.
I keep a 3' X 3.5' blowup within easy sight in the grading room.
Are you suggesting that the difference between 61 62 63 an 64 is not a matter of surface marks? The ANA would disagree. Strike or luster are not an issue until you get to 65 or above, as I said. If you would like to refresh your memory, there is a summary here:
https://thesprucecrafts.com/ana-grading-for-uncirculated-state-coins-4041821
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
On the obverse check the high areas of Gov. Bradford's portrait and his hat for friction. On the reverse check the ship's rigging and the stern of the vessel. Most coins have scattered contact marks, particularly on the obverse. Nearly all 1921 coins are this way. Many coins(particularly coins which are early impressions from thew die's) show tiny raised lines in the obverse field, representing die finish marks; these are not to be confused with hairlines or other evidences of friction (which are recessed). Courtesy of QDB Encyclopedia, p. 143-144.
Most are graded on table tops.
https://www.pcgs.com/cert/21343506
A typical MS65 Pilgrim.
When looking at photos it’s sometimes hard to evaluate luster. It alone can be the factor that differentiates a 64 from a 67.
Buy a copy of the NCI Grading Guide. There are images of the first signs of wear on Commemorative coins. It is a good start. I don't always agree with some of the places shown for the FIRST signs of friction wear because I look at coins with a stereomicroscope at about 7X using fluorescent light.