surface damage or gradable PMD

steveben · January 13, 2012 9:30AM

at which point does an gradable scratch on a coin's surface become un-gradable surface damage?

what are the criteria for setting the threshold for a damaged coin?

i have seen coins with very skinny, but long, surface scratches that are graded. others i have seen with shorter, thicker scratches not graded. does the size and shape determine whether or not it's gradable? does the the severity or quantity? what about placement or eye appeal? how subjective is this determination or are there hard and fast rules and determining factors?

AMRC · January 13, 2012 10:00AM

It is usually a function of length and depth. When it extends across the fields and onto the devices it generally means it is too long. It also depends on the coin. You can get away with a longer scratch on a larger coin. If it is so deep as you can see the metal bind, or curl it is too deep. Is it exact, no. But grading is not exact.

bosco5041 · January 13, 2012 8:59PM

I have wanted to ask that question myself. My opinion is that there is a little more slack given to the early coins because they are so hard to find in flawless condition that it would be hard to find one graded. I've seen coins that had some fairly large scratches but they were old scratches.

golfer72 · January 13, 2012 9:17PM

Good question. i have been trying to get an answer on that question for a long time. No one seems to know.

ricko · January 14, 2012 12:08AM

Severity is considered - and that is subjective (as is all grading) and Bosco is also correct, more latitude is given older, early U.S. coins. Cheers, RickO

astrorat · January 14, 2012 12:21AM

<< <i>Severity is considered - and that is subjective (as is all grading) and Bosco is also correct, more latitude is given older, early U.S. coins. Cheers, RickO >>

... and to the "importance" of the coin. PCGS graded the most recently "discovered" (now 9th known) 1817/4 Capped Bust half despite a nasty gouge on the obverse. I don't believe that if it were a different die marriage from 1817 it would have graded and would have been returned in a Genuine holder.

rawmorgan · January 14, 2012 1:11AM

This coin is net graded F-15 as "damaged/scratched obverse." And it's pretty obvious why.

surface damage or gradable PMD

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