AU-55 vs. AU-58. What's the difference?
veryfine
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Is wear the most important distinguishing factor or is it the amount of marks, luster and eye-appeal. We often see coins that "should be AU-58, but might be downgraded to AU-55 because........."
When I view coins in these grades, I sometimes go back and forth many times before making a decision, and even then, I will not have a conclusive answer.
Are the differences fairly clear cut or is there room for debate?
How good are at assigning these two grades?
When I view coins in these grades, I sometimes go back and forth many times before making a decision, and even then, I will not have a conclusive answer.
Are the differences fairly clear cut or is there room for debate?
How good are at assigning these two grades?
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AU55 - light wear is also in the fields
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AU55 would have many more hits and AU53 with many more hits. Of course, I am referring to modern coinage. There is always lots of room for debate which holds true for any grade. Especially if the price difference between 55 and 58 is fairly huge.
The name is LEE!
The answer is so obvious!
AU58
- AU55
________
= 3
<< <i>AU58 - a few circ marks on high points of the design. No wear in the fields.
AU55 - light wear is also in the fields >>
There's really no wear in the fields as they are not an area that receives friction as the high points of each coinage design.
A AU55 will have more rub and may be more peppered with a few more hits, knocks, ticks, and hairlines then a AU58 example.
I have seen AU55 worn coins with superior eye appeal as to surface conditions and eye appeal which are in AU58 holders.
<< <i>AU58 - a few circ marks on high points of the design. No wear in the fields.
AU55 - light wear is also in the fields >>
Oddly enough, that basically describes MS62 and AU58, respectively, for how the services currently market grade.
AU-58 is a transition grade and a tool to differentiate between heavily mint marked coins and PQ coinage.
An AU-58 coin must have started as MS64 or better (pretty clean to pristine surfaces) and then been subjected to absolutely minimal wear - maybe cabinet friction or even sliding around in paper coin holders.
An AU-58 coin is a PQ coin. MS-60 to MS-63 coins with minimal wear, much like long haired hippies, need not apply. (reference to the song "Signs" - actual hiring policies are fully equal opportunity).
AU-55 is a similar transition grade that mixes bag marking and friction.
An AU-55 is an MS-60 to MS-63 coin with minimal friction or an MS-64 to MS-70 coin with slightly hirer levels of wear.
Near as I can tell AU-50 and AU-53 are mostly indication of wear regardless of the coin's surface.
I suspect this mixes "technical grading" and "market grading" into the same soup, but such is the world we live in.
Some AU58's will have eye appeal bettering a MS61 example, some MS64... it's all on a coin by coin basis.
6 months later the same grader will either flip-flop the grades or they'll will give an au50 for the au55 or an ms62 for the au58.
Pointless in my mind to even consider an answer for the op's question.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
<< <i><snip>... Pointless in my mind to even consider an answer for the op's question. >>
Yea, but chatting on the forum's on company time and computer beats work.
<< <i>it's impossible to give an answer because there is no way in the world that even the very best grader can be accurate in determining between these two grades.
6 months later the same grader will either flip-flop the grades or they'll will give an au50 for the au55 or an ms62 for the au58.
Pointless in my mind to even consider an answer for the op's question. >>
Funny thing is, you not only descended upon earth to "consider" an answer, but actually DID come up with an answer.
And for that, I am grateful.
Without doubt AU 58s are some of the prettiest coins around
regardless of type.
AU 55 are true AU on which wear is readily more discernable.
The difference .... 3 points.
While many a pq slider 58's are graded 60-63!
Hope that clears things up.
<< <i>The difference is you most never by an AU55 in an MS holder. At best they maybe overgraded 58's.
While many a pq slider 58's are graded 60-63!
Hope that clears things up. >>
Interesting point.
A 58 will look like a Choice UNC (62-64+) to the naked eye but will reveal lite wear/luster breaks under a 5x...
A 55 will show lite wear/luster breaks to the naked eye...
Both will have ample to (nearly) full luster...
But, of course, I'm not a professional grader getting paid to grade coins... so what do I know? Right Wei? (wherever you are)
<< <i>
<< <i>it's impossible to give an answer because there is no way in the world that even the very best grader can be accurate in determining between these two grades.
6 months later the same grader will either flip-flop the grades or they'll will give an au50 for the au55 or an ms62 for the au58.
Pointless in my mind to even consider an answer for the op's question. >>
Funny thing is, you not only descended upon earth to "consider" an answer, but actually DID come up with an answer.
And for that, I am grateful. >>
you're very welcome,
ask anytime my son and I shall enlighten you
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
An AU55 coin, Even I can tell the coin has a small amount of wear. ( But then I am not always right either)
.....................................................
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>it's impossible to give an answer because there is no way in the world that even the very best grader can be accurate in determining between these two grades.
6 months later the same grader will either flip-flop the grades or they'll will give an au50 for the au55 or an ms62 for the au58.
Pointless in my mind to even consider an answer for the op's question. >>
Funny thing is, you not only descended upon earth to "consider" an answer, but actually DID come up with an answer.
And for that, I am grateful. >>
you're very welcome,
ask anytime my son and I shall enlighten you
<< <i>Are the differences fairly clear cut or is there room for debate? >>
Buying will always be a 58, selling will be a 55.
Unless you let the guys who know determine it.