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My how grading standards have changed!
RYK
Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
Today, I went to the bank. I am in a position to sell some non-core coins to fund a big coin purchase, and my goal was to sell some of the "odds-and-ends" and things that no longer fit.
One item on my list was an 1884-CC $5 NGC AU-58 that I purchased from Doug Winter in early 2003. It immediately struck me that this coin was a SuperSlider™, the likes of which I have not seen in quite some time. When I think of all of the auction coins I have viewed, dealer inventories I have perused (both in person and online), and coins shown to me by other collectors in the intervening three years, I doubt that I have seen an AU-58 half eagle this nice in anyone's holder, common date or rare. The coin looks Unc compared to what passes for AU-58. I thought back to what EVP once told me: "Never sell a coin with exceptional eye appeal." This coin definitely fits the bill. I decided instead to sell an another AU-58 that I need to complete a set. I would rather take a step backward in set completion than give up an exceptional coin, just because it does not fit.
I held this coin next to several more recently graded AU-58's, and there is no comparison.
Here's an old photo. One of these I will get one made that is worthy of the coin:
One item on my list was an 1884-CC $5 NGC AU-58 that I purchased from Doug Winter in early 2003. It immediately struck me that this coin was a SuperSlider™, the likes of which I have not seen in quite some time. When I think of all of the auction coins I have viewed, dealer inventories I have perused (both in person and online), and coins shown to me by other collectors in the intervening three years, I doubt that I have seen an AU-58 half eagle this nice in anyone's holder, common date or rare. The coin looks Unc compared to what passes for AU-58. I thought back to what EVP once told me: "Never sell a coin with exceptional eye appeal." This coin definitely fits the bill. I decided instead to sell an another AU-58 that I need to complete a set. I would rather take a step backward in set completion than give up an exceptional coin, just because it does not fit.
I held this coin next to several more recently graded AU-58's, and there is no comparison.
Here's an old photo. One of these I will get one made that is worthy of the coin:
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Is it more MS60 in your estimation? Or higher?
"Bongo hurtles along the rain soaked highway of life on underinflated bald retread tires."
~Wayne
Then again, I'm just a Morgan weenie so I grade everything like it's a big 'ol piece of silver, which may not be appropriate for other series of coins.
i would need the coin in hand.
from the pics, i can say it is PQ AU55 at the very least.
nice one RYK
https://acoinshop.com/ —-> https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
It is overgraded if it's in an NGC holder and it's gold.
I could argue the point with you, but I would rather say that in the case, this coin was slabbed before your rule was made.
Edit: I recently sold an AU-58 eagle, that was previously in a PCGS AU-58 holder and tried for 60/61 at NGC. The coin looked "new" but was struck from sunken dies. It is now in an NGC AU-58 holder. Does that mean that it is really an AU-53 or 55? Oh, and it sold for more money than I paid for it about a year ago in the PCGS AU-58 holder.
but those pics make it appear to be an solid AU coin.
any shot of MS would have to be determined in hand.
, I doubt that I have seen an AU-58 half eagle this nice in anyone's holder, common date or rare.
plus, when you want me to judge the coin like any other
common or rare half eagle, it soundly falls into the AU
category with no shot at MS. (from the pics) (grin)
REV = UNC
rainbowroosie April 1, 2003
does every star have a thick frame of luster also?
you know this grading thing is pretty easy when you have
10 examples sitting next to you.
ryk, i am just being critical.. you know i love that coin!
if only the obverse was a bit better in the pics, i would agree
whole heartedly.
also, the fact my MS coins are all OGH may influence me
a bit
egads. RYK is right. i think i will sell this newly graded ms61 coin.
I think PCGS and NGC have pushed the AU envelope too far today when it only takes 20% or less luster to make a mint state coin.
I learned that lesson directly when I sold a draped bust half dime in AU58 last year. It was technically a cleaned UNC. with only traces of luster left (<15%). The new owner had it regraded as NGC MS62.
But I did get MS60ish money for it.
roadrunner
In hand, the coin is quite lustrous. I hesitated posting the photo because I do not feel that it represents the coin well. I have no doubt that the coin is fully AU-58 and high-end at that. When I hold it and other typical and recently-graded AU-58's side-by-side, it kicks butt!
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>Today, I went to the bank. I am in a position to sell some non-core coins to fund a big coin purchase, and my goal was to sell some of the "odds-and-ends" and things that no longer fit.
See above post.
just whatever you do, don't send it to NGC anytime soon, it's liable to be NG'd due to "Improper Cleaning"!!
That coin, even by judging the pics you have, and my experience on how light plays on close up photos like that, I would say is an MS-61/62 today, no problem.
the 'dude
Inasmuch as the slightest rub will destroy the coin in the grading room, facts are: most of us would never see it, which is a case in point where "raw" becomes most desireable.
That it is in an NGC holder instead of a PCGS slab is indicitive of that point.
I am happy to see that it made plastic by the one of the few top tiered TPGs in the land. One, that is at least accepted by the Numismatic Society as being on the "up and up". I can only hope that remains the case with their current administration.
With that said RYK.... it is a wonderful example to be cherished for it's historical, artistic and even intrinsic value, as it's mintage numbers are low (just over 16,000, eh . It's a high dollar , super coin as far as collectible is concerned. A powerhouse, in my humble opinion, by the way. Granted it won't pay off the national debt, but it could buy a lot of ice cream.
I was just watching an auction , thinking of bidding on this piece advertised as CHOICE GEM BU and a 1909, to boot:
Wondering how the grading standard would see this one that just sold for almost 6 hundy on flea-bay..., which is cheap compared to yours.
and like I said, at least yours has the authentication to hold it's value, inspite of the " SUBJECTIVE STANDARD" applied in grading it.
I think, sadly, it is not so much about the standard as it is the "opinion" and the "value" associated with the grade as it relates to the population reports ... which we all know, are completely out of whack due to numerous crackouts going un-reported (shame on you guys).
But anyway, I see this Indian Five Dollar piece as an AU50 at best, but more likely XF45. The seller called it a 1909 with no mention of the D mintmark. So what say you all about the grading standard, not the coin ?????????
https://acoinshop.com/ —-> https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
I think the overall point of the thread is being missed: think hard before selling an exceptional coin!!!