Can anyone see why this coin is only graded MS 63?

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Walkerlover
Walkerlover Posts: 1,029 ✭✭✭✭
edited June 7, 2026 11:23AM in U.S. Coin Forum

I saw this CACG coin on EBay that’s looks like a much higher grade than 63, and cannot figure out from the photos why? Can anybody see what is holding it back. FWIW I am not buying it
Never saw a 63 this beautiful



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  • coinbuf
    coinbuf Posts: 12,577 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    There is some strike weakness, but overall a very pretty coin that could likely grade higher from these photos. My guess is the photos might be hiding some light grazes or marks, but CAC is known to grade conservatively.

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  • oldabeintx
    oldabeintx Posts: 3,214 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 7, 2026 11:46AM
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    Nice coin but pricey. I’d be tempted to buy it otherwise. I like First Year type.

  • fathom
    fathom Posts: 2,204 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I see some rub on the eagle breast feathers. The lighting has enhanced the luster.

  • MFeld
    MFeld Posts: 17,152 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    If some or all of the very dark looking areas at the periphery of each side aren’t merely shadows, perhaps that’s the reason.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,088 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    the obverse is holding it back but it looks nicer than a 63. don't buy it hoping for an upgrade

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  • BillJones
    BillJones Posts: 35,938 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    It's CAC graded, and sometimes they are too conservative. Then again there might be more going on in the area of the sun than is visible in the photo.

    If you are collecting these coins in MS-63 - 64, this would be agreat pick-up.

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  • ELVIS1
    ELVIS1 Posts: 497 ✭✭✭✭
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    That's a beautiful coin.

  • Walkerlover
    Walkerlover Posts: 1,029 ✭✭✭✭
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    @fathom said:
    I see some rub on the eagle breast feathers. The lighting has enhanced the luster.

    I thought CAC doesn’t grade high point friction as uncirculated

  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,088 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    no one should

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  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,392 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Walkerlover said:

    @fathom said:
    I see some rub on the eagle breast feathers. The lighting has enhanced the luster.

    I thought CAC doesn’t grade high point friction as uncirculated

    You’re correct. If it had any friction, whatsoever, CAC would put it in a AU 58 holder.

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  • dunkleosteus430
    dunkleosteus430 Posts: 596 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 7, 2026 1:45PM
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    Is there a rim ding at 1 o'clock on the obverse? That might look worse in hand. Wouldn't ruin it for me though, that's an incredible coin no matter what it's graded.

    I collect world proof sets, coins featuring composers, mid-20th century U.S. proof coins, U.S. type coins, and whatever else I want.

  • The_Dinosaur_Man
    The_Dinosaur_Man Posts: 1,594 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    There is a small dig along Liberty's leg. It could be deeper in person.

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  • logger7
    logger7 Posts: 9,872 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    From Witter Coin, at $1600 will probably sell soon.

  • RedRocket
    RedRocket Posts: 1,946 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    On a side note: What's going on right above the foot and below IN GOD WE TRUST?
    Looks almost like a clash?

  • cmerlo1
    cmerlo1 Posts: 8,075 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Possibly hairlines that aren't visible in the photos. The coin has great luster and looks good overall, so they took off a point or two due to that.

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  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 23,192 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @RedRocket said:
    On a side note: What's going on right above the foot and below IN GOD WE TRUST?
    Looks almost like a clash?

    That's a die clash and they are pretty cool when they are there. I think the coin looks nice and would have guessed a higher grade.

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  • Smudge
    Smudge Posts: 10,001 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The sun doesn’t have a nice smooth look.

  • Allentram
    Allentram Posts: 119 ✭✭✭
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    I'm a Walker collector and I can't see anything that would keep it from a higher grade, even with that chatter on the right front field.

  • Goob
    Goob Posts: 577 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The strike seems sorta weak and there’s some light marks throughout. Beautiful coin though!

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  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,112 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I think a 63 is about right, jmo

  • coinkat
    coinkat Posts: 24,542 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I don’t see 63 as unreasonably harsh. Just a reminder that grading is subjective…

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  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,069 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 8, 2026 6:20AM
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    I think 63 is fair. Maybe it 64s on a "good day" (grader bad day?) The reverse seems nicer, but that usually doesn't carry the day.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • cladking
    cladking Posts: 30,314 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    63 seems a bit harsh to me. It has a little strike and die problem but is a beautiful specimen. I'd take a good hard look at those high points to be sure it wasn't a borderline AU-58. It looks to have slid in and out of an envelope quite a few times.

    If I graded it Unc I'd call it a very low end Gem. (MS-65)

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  • Clackamas1
    Clackamas1 Posts: 1,726 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 8, 2026 7:16AM
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    A little rub. Coins can get circulated a little and still be near Unc. Its better than an AU58+ so it gets a 63. That is my guess.

  • Eldorado9
    Eldorado9 Posts: 2,825 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I like it, and I like CAC grading. Conservative grading is ok with me.

  • jedm
    jedm Posts: 3,266 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That's a solid 63 for sure. I think the strike is nice- notice she's got a thumb? Luster is not creamy like a 65 would be, and a mark on her neck and thigh keeps it where it is. There's a nice clash behind her ankle too.

  • Cougar1978
    Cougar1978 Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 8, 2026 5:09PM
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    It’s a really nice PQ CACG MS 63. Really Like it. How much above MS63 CDN Bid (CAC) would you ramp it up in auction to win it? Bet they would bid it into the stratosphere.

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  • stockdude_
    stockdude_ Posts: 555 ✭✭✭✭
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    Thats a very nice coin. I've seen many higher graded Walkers with more issues than that coin. As far as strike goes its pretty good and they dont really factor strike in very much anyway IMO. Its at least a 64

  • jesbroken
    jesbroken Posts: 11,253 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited June 8, 2026 6:06PM
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    I agree right field obverse chatter. I do like the die clash.
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  • RedRocket
    RedRocket Posts: 1,946 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I like the coin.
    I love the photography.

  • Walkerguy21D
    Walkerguy21D Posts: 12,165 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @jedm said:
    That's a solid 63 for sure. I think the strike is nice- notice she's got a thumb? Luster is not creamy like a 65 would be, and a mark on her neck and thigh keeps it where it is. There's a nice clash behind her ankle too.

    To help everyone out, please realize that the 1916, and most of the 1917 issues, were intentionally struck with a matte finish, so you won’t see the frosty luster that you have on the later dates.
    Also, the strike is very nice for the date, as is typical for the 1916 coins. The master dies were modified and skirt lines re-engraved multiple times over the years. You really can’t compare a 1916 walker to a deep dish original roll 1943 coin.
    As others have said, it’s a solid 63+ coin, 64 on a good day, limited by some small marks and abrasions.

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  • DesertCoin
    DesertCoin Posts: 482 ✭✭✭
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    Three little letters: C-A-C
    Send coins to PCGS for a fair grade.
    Send coins to NGC for a point more that's worth a point less.
    Send coins to CAC for a point or two less that's worth a point or two more.
    Send coins to ANACS for kicks and giggles.
    Send coins to ICG when somebody eventually figures out a good reason to.

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  • 1Mike1
    1Mike1 Posts: 4,445 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Dull high spots.

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  • Walkerlover
    Walkerlover Posts: 1,029 ✭✭✭✭
    edited June 14, 2026 12:59PM
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    @1Mike1 said:
    Dull high spots.

    Maybe. Witter Coin told me the reason is there are small contacts marks on the high points of the coin. Maybe they see stacking friction which is normal with walking liberty half dollars and saints. While it’s difficult to say without examining the coin in hand you see similar marks in the fields of 64 and 65 Walkers

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