How Much Time Do PCGS Graders Spend On Gold Dollars??

MisterBungle · February 19, 2011 6:13AM

I know the graders at our host can't spend a lot
of time with each submission, but on something
like gold dollars, where there are so many fakes
extant, how much time would a grader have to
spend on each one to verify authenticity??

Not to mention that they also have to grade it.

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coinguy1 · February 19, 2011 6:18AM

In the large majority of cases a professional grader can spot a counterfeit in less than 5 seconds.

I would guess that many, if not most gold dollars are graded in less than 30 seconds. That might not sound like much time - actually, it's NOT much time - but try picking up a coin and examining it for 30 seconds. It can seem like an eternity.

MisterBungle · February 19, 2011 6:37AM

"...try picking up a coin and examining it for 30 seconds. It can seem like an eternity"
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I see your point, Mark.

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PonyExpress8 · February 19, 2011 7:24AM

I have personally spoken to graders/ex graders at both services and 8-10 seconds is typical for the more common series. I would think for coin series where a bit more time might be needed such as in your example that might be a few seconds longer.

Also 2 folks independently grade a coin and then a 3rd (finalizer) does the same. If the first two are in agreement then the finalizer is just a check. If they disagree slightly as to grade the finalizer weighs in with the final grade.

ambro51 · February 19, 2011 9:40AM

The more you see of these the easier it gets to 'guess the grade'. However, due to the size I would hope that at least a 5X loupe comes into play (though I doubt it)....since though contact marks are small they do a great deal to determine grade as with any coin.

I think that graders DO lack experience with the series, point being a very undergraded 1876 I have, though having muted prooflike surfaces and no contact marks, was graded AU50. They mistook the weakness of the strike that all 3000 specimens struck of this year have, bot obverse and reverse....for wear.

the application of a small gold oval bandage took care of that.....

Like Mr. Feld said, counterfeit detection is the easy part, it just seems more difficult to the average collector because we have NOT seen enough of them (thankfully).

DonWillis · February 19, 2011 10:34AM

If they disagree slightly as to grade the finalizer weighs in with the final grade.

Actually, if they don't agree exactly a third grader grades the coin before it goes to the finalizer.

fastfreddie · February 19, 2011 11:42AM

<< <i>If they disagree slightly as to grade the finalizer weighs in with the final grade.

Actually, if they don't agree exactly a third grader grades the coin before it goes to the finalizer. >>

Can you tell us approximately how often this happens? Thank you.

ColonelJessup · February 20, 2011 10:29AM

It takes less time to grade a type II than a type I or III because they're bigger.

Not because they are easier to see. They are easier to pick up.

But seriously.....

If the first two graders call it 66.6 and the third calls it 66.7, who is the subject of the exorcism?

Please do not dignify this comment with a response.

MrEureka · February 20, 2011 10:59AM

I would guess that many, if not most gold dollars are graded in less than 30 seconds. That might not sound like much time - actually, it's NOT much time - but try picking up a coin and examining it for 30 seconds. It can seem like an eternity.

Sounds like you're looking at the wrong coins, Mark.

ambro51 · February 20, 2011 11:38AM

Though 'not grading time', but I can say for certain that most of my coins...Ive looked at for HOURS with the triplet.

Ive never owned a coin that I cannot visually enjoy for long periods. *except for that Shriver dollar*

HalfStrike · February 20, 2011 12:06PM

Aren't they sending these coins through the sniffer now, or is that only for the plus coins? I think they would also have to weight the coin as well.

Edit: Nevermind I see they do that at their own discretion.

How Much Time Do PCGS Graders Spend On Gold Dollars??

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