Coin Grading Question - conundrum, or guesstimation? Debate
STONE
Posts: 15,275 ✭
How would you conclude on a grade from a coin with a previously unreported grade level?
Especially if strike variability is a major factor during the time-period the coin was produced.
(i.e. Say that all known specimens are known in grades below VG, and then a coin appearing to be VF/EF appears)
Example
Say you are fortunate enough that you come across a previously unreported 1793 Strawberry-Leaf Large Cent. Then say that coin is in a grade which appears VF/EF (a grade exponentially higher than the previous other 3 or 4 that are known to exist).
How would you (or the grading service(s)) go about and assess the precise grade of the coin if no other comparative specimens are available to understand strike quality?
(There's several other coins which fit the bill of 1793 Strawberry Leaf Large Cents, but this coin is probably the most popular and extreme example)
Especially if strike variability is a major factor during the time-period the coin was produced.
(i.e. Say that all known specimens are known in grades below VG, and then a coin appearing to be VF/EF appears)
Example
Say you are fortunate enough that you come across a previously unreported 1793 Strawberry-Leaf Large Cent. Then say that coin is in a grade which appears VF/EF (a grade exponentially higher than the previous other 3 or 4 that are known to exist).
How would you (or the grading service(s)) go about and assess the precise grade of the coin if no other comparative specimens are available to understand strike quality?
(There's several other coins which fit the bill of 1793 Strawberry Leaf Large Cents, but this coin is probably the most popular and extreme example)
0
Comments
Frankly, I think the TPGs tend to look at remaining detail and not actual wear, which makes distinguishing between wear and strike for many weakly-struck issues (like early large cents) even more challenging, but that's another debate for another time.
Or don't worry about a grade; simply decide how much you would be willing to pay for the coin.
<< <i>You take an educated guess based on other examples of the type, while trying to take into account the unique characteristics of the coin in question.... >>
That excellent answer should end the "debate".
<< <i>You take an educated guess based on other examples of the type, while trying to take into account the unique characteristics of the coin in question. To use your example, the 1793 Strawberry Leaf is hardly the only example of the type that's weakly struck.
Frankly, I think the TPGs tend to look at remaining detail and not actual wear, which makes distinguishing between wear and strike for many weakly-struck issues (like early large cents) even more challenging, but that's another debate for another time. >>
that they use in the series.They would have to write the standered as they go but I think it would be better than just a guess or I hope so..