Qualities that made your CAC submissions go green
robbylu52
Posts: 287 ✭✭✭
To those collectors who have experience submitting coins to CAC for a green or gold sticker. What qualities in 20th century coins have you found to be the most important in getting you a sticker? Luster, strike, lack of marks, overall eye appeal, etc or which of these qualities were lacking to get the no sticker?
0
Comments
*if you know what you are doing * When you have cracked it or sent it in for regrade and it did not upgrade - you may have a CAC green.
Based on those circumstances, you could just as easily have a coin that fails miserably.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Mark - you always have a way of saying things without saying things or just so just funny. I appreciate it, my comment was if you know WTF you are doing and did as I said. I am good on CAC submissions - Rules of thumb are good to use. BTW - did not know you no longer grading; I read it it the Hansen thread. I have always appreciated you participating even when you were a judge (so to speak).
In all seriousness, with the caveat that if you know what you’re doing, your above rule of thumb is probably as good of an answer as any. In part, because, as you know, different coins fail for different reasons - sometimes multiple reasons,
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Do you see any common thread or denominator in your successful submissions that you can point out to the newcomers so they can screen their own coins before sending them to CAC.
No major distractions or hidden problems to start with. An otherwise solid coin for the grade with one of these distractions will not pass in my experience. ( think buying sight unseen) Of course, many other considerations as well.
In your case it would be cheaper, quicker, and less frustrating in the long run to buy the coins CAC'd up front.
Sort of a grading set.
You cannot grade coins reliably from 2d images on a computer. At least not at the level you seek.
I had no access to mentors and attending big shows for seminars was expensive. Small show were only occasional and a 2hr drive.
When I wanted to learn how to grade Morgans or Buffs, I built grading sets from certain mints and from certain years and in certain grades.
Known to only produce the best, and seeking well struck examples, this was my tuition and the sunk cost could always be recouped.
The ANA grading class helped refine those skills.
Seems you are already spending the money on Non CAC coins... just buy CAC and I think you will flatten the learning curve rather quickly.
Then you can hunt for the coins you seek with confidence.
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
If you are concerned about having coins with "stickers" then buy only coins that already have stickers.
When grading: If in doubt it always goes to the lower grade. Never be generous. If anything about a coin strikes you as a negative for the grade, pass.
My coins were in the top 70% of coins for the grade
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Nice luster, no major marks for grade, light gold or russet toning, nice ‘original PQ look.
Three common factors:
1. Accurate grade on the holder label
2. Original surfaces
3. Decent eye appeal
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
learn how to grade
you can't expect to spend money sending coins to CAC and have a lack of experience and knowledge of how to grade.
Sorry, but I have quibbles with all three of the above.
1) They will decline to sticker "accurate grade on the holder" coins that they feel are low end.
2) They will sticker dipped coins. as long as the luster and appearance are still adequate.
3) They sticker coins that many people don't necessarily consider to be eye-appealing.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Quibble all you want. The question was, "What qualities in 20th century coins have you found to be the most important in getting you a sticker?" (emphasis added).
It's not about what CAC does, it's about my experience. And in my experience, those three are common features. Your experience may be different.
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
So far as saints go...LUSTER...LUSTER...LUSTER
State of preservation appears not to matter much.
My Saint Set
Quibble officially revoked.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.