Tough call! Each coin has its merits. I do want to say the MS-68 has the better detail, masked by toning and faded luster.
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Yeah, I think the AU has the better FH detail. However, the 68 seems to have a bit better shield detail (in the center at least) from what I can tell from the photos. I like the 68 better due to the eye appeal from the toning.
1920 D PCGS MS68+FH CAC, sold for $211,500 in August 2012 at Stack's. I think the Stack's images are a little nicer but... $211,500 buys a lot of nice coins.
The 58 'appears' to have a better FH... However, from what we know about photographic lighting, I cannot say for sure.... Such coins should be evaluated in hand.... Cheers, RickO
The 68+ coin has weak detail in other places and while maybe technical 68+ plastic it sure doesn't justify a 200k price tag. I like the AU 58 coin better overall which displays nearly full complete detail as intended.
I think they are both great and rare coins. To answer @Broadstruck's original question, the hair in the front of the head (in front of the leaves) is more well defined on the 68+ IMO but in the back of the head, I think I would actually give the nod to the 58. It is very close. If you are looking for a nice 1920 D example, I don't think anyone would deny that the 58 offers more value but not everyone is a value shopper.
I'd prefer the MS68 but this is exactly why the Standing Liberty Quarter is a tough series. Honestly there's better buys in the Saint series and in the WLH series.
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I think they look the same. I like the AU58 tone better than the monster 68+(unless someone is giving me either for free). lol
Jim
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The lighting and tone tends to make the AU coin look sharper in these photos, in hand under the same light it could be a different story.
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From photos I think the au has a better strike.
An even better question might be: "Is the MS-68+ really worth the huge price premium when an AU58 of that quality is available?"
They aren't available as I added the last coin to my "AU64 UFH" set on July 5, 2012 and I still look daily.
1 has better head details IMO.
Damn-I didn't mean to shout!
It's pretty close but, overall, I must say the AU 58,
The original, pristine surfaces of the MS 68+ are spectacular, though.
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Shields crests aren’t nearly as close, nice coins
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
Tough call! Each coin has its merits. I do want to say the MS-68 has the better detail, masked by toning and faded luster.
Custom album maker and numismatic photographer.
Need a personalized album made? Design it on the website below and I'll build it for you.
https://www.donahuenumismatics.com/.
Yeah, I think the AU has the better FH detail. However, the 68 seems to have a bit better shield detail (in the center at least) from what I can tell from the photos. I like the 68 better due to the eye appeal from the toning.
jom
To me a full head doesn't mean much without a corresponding full shield.
The AU58 is a strong coin. The toning on the 68 plus turns me off. On the FH, it’s pretty close to a dead heat.
I was a little confused by the grade on the 68+ coin until I saw the more flattering photo on CoinFacts.
1920 D PCGS MS68+FH CAC, sold for $211,500 in August 2012 at Stack's. I think the Stack's images are a little nicer but... $211,500 buys a lot of nice coins.


https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-30BC7/1920-d-standing-liberty-quarter-ms-68-fh-pcgs-cac-secure-holder
Both are nice coins. I'll take the 58. The 68+ is over graded in my opinion. The 58 has a little better strike.
The 58 'appears' to have a better FH... However, from what we know about photographic lighting, I cannot say for sure.... Such coins should be evaluated in hand.... Cheers, RickO
The 68+ coin has weak detail in other places and while maybe technical 68+ plastic it sure doesn't justify a 200k price tag. I like the AU 58 coin better overall which displays nearly full complete detail as intended.
This is my opinion also. Regardless of the usual strike, on a 68, I'd expect a fully struck coin which I do not see.
I think they are both great and rare coins. To answer @Broadstruck's original question, the hair in the front of the head (in front of the leaves) is more well defined on the 68+ IMO but in the back of the head, I think I would actually give the nod to the 58. It is very close. If you are looking for a nice 1920 D example, I don't think anyone would deny that the 58 offers more value but not everyone is a value shopper.
I'd prefer the MS68 but this is exactly why the Standing Liberty Quarter is a tough series. Honestly there's better buys in the Saint series and in the WLH series.
I believe the AU has a little more head detail.