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Two 1822 Quarters and a Question
Eddi
Posts: 637 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have a question regarding the grades assigned to these two 1822 quarters.
The first example is graded VF25, CAC. The second example graded F12.
Different grades, yet to my eyes they actually appear quite similar.
Do you see anything about the second example which might have led to it being graded lower than the first?
Conversely, why did the first example grade higher?
Thanks for your insights.
Eduard
1
Comments
Both nice coins, the second one has slightly more wear, but far more marks and surface texture.. unevenness. The 1st one is a very choice coin in color, originality, and eye appeal.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Nice coins ... the second coin shows more wear and has less eye appeal than the first.
I agree with the above posts... More wear and surface marks on the second one. Clearly - to the experienced eye - not of the quality level of the first coin. Cheers, RickO
Thank you very much for your opinions.
I have to agree that the first example does seem to have a more uniform and also more pleasant colour, as well as fewer marks. The second example, you might have guessed, is in my collection. It does have a mark in the fleid, two small hairlines at the point of the bust and a slightly uneven tone, grey.
I have to add that my picture is also awfullly bad! taken at a slight angle - this may be accentuating the problems.
All in all I see why the first example is the better example.
Thanks you
By wear they are very similar and I’d consider both VF20. The second coin looks to have a deep mark in the left field and another under star 1. Not enough to BB but NGC has apparently net graded it. I really don’t like when either service does this as the label grade ends up very confusing.
As others have said, at first glance from a novice or less experienced coin grader, they would appear to be equal in terms of grade based on what would appear to be equal wear. This is not to criticize anybody, just to educate. In fact many folks in our own coin club (long term members) would say exactly the same. But clearly coin 1 has far better surface preservation, and less actual wear than coin #2. Eye-appeal is better on #1 also, but that in itself doesnt add or lower the grade technically by that much on these two coins.
Good question and good eye, in my opinion, and I like the comments from @scubafuel as I think the tecnical level is quite close.
While I am certainly more of a fan of the 1st coin (color, technical and apparent surface quality), the 13 point difference is difficult to see, and possibly not fully warranted on a purely technical "wear" basis.
Although some "unevenness" exists as @Baley points out, I do not agree with previous posters that say there is noticeably more wear.
I do see nuances in the level of device wear ... on the check, around the eye and more noticeably (to me) the reverse feathers and devices, and I am almost certain the 1st has a more defined rim, but I am speculating as I can't really see that from the pictures well.
But in summary, this is what I think overall;
I suspect that Coin 1 got an appeal bump. Technical 20 + 5 for premium qualities at grade.
Your coin appears to be net graded slightly. Technical 18 - 6 for less than premium qualities at grade.
It's Market grading, at the VF level, and a good reminder that we need to trust our eyes and our feelings about coins and grades. The label, and even the sticker, is just a starting point.
My 2 bits, anyway
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
The 1st coin was given a grade bump for choice original surfaces and the 2nd coin was given a negative grade bump for not so nice unoriginal surfaces IMHO.
Great responses by everyone.
This. VF-20. VF-20, Scratch.