NGC Star Desgination (Inconsistent or Misunderstood)

The purpose of this thread is to examine the NGC star designation in order to determine the consistency in it's application by the NGC graders. I have always been a proponent of the TPG's and their grading consistency despite the opinions to the contrary of other collectors. When I view a coin by NGC or PCGS that I think is incorrectly graded, I always try to determine why the multiple professional graders assigned the grade on the slab. Usually, I can understand the reason for the assigned grade.

However, I have found this same process increasingly difficult with regards to the star designation. Is the apparent inconsistency the fault of the NGC graders or am I misunderstanding the requirements for a coin to receive the star designation. Let's look at the rules.

NGC lists their sysnopsis for the star designation as:

Synopsis
The NGC Star Designation identifies coins with exceptional eye appeal or characteristics that distinguish them from other coins of the same technical grade. This does not mean that they just miss the next grade, but it can mean that they verge on the next designation. For example, an untoned PF 65 Cameo coin is not necessarily close to the PF 66 grade, but may be close to an Ultra Cameo designation.

Furthermore, NGC has listed the following guidelines with respect to the star designation:

Recognizing a Star
Mint State Star designated coins can be either untoned (also referred to as “white” for some issues) or toned. In order for an untoned coin to qualify it must have full vibrant luster, be free of any obvious planchet irregularities, and display no bothersome spots or blemishes. Making the determination on a toned coin is bit more complex. Because Star Designations require unanimous consent, in order for a toned coin to receive a Star Designation it must first be considered attractively toned by all graders who inspect it. As with untoned coins, it must have full luster that is unimpeded by the toning. It must also be free of any obvious planchet irregularities and any distracting spots or blemishes. The toning color can be of a single color or multicolored but cannot have any areas that are dark brown approaching black.

Lastly it is important to reiterate that the process is unanimous.

It is also of note that Star Designations are applied only with the unanimous consent of NGC's graders. If there is a single objection to a particular coin receiving a Star Designation upon quality control inspection, it loses the star.

Now that we understand the rules, let us look at some coins. I would like to proceed in a three step process. First we will look at Jefferson Nickels, followed by Roosevelt Dimes, and finally the Morgan Dollar finally.

The photo below displays 4 Jefferson Nickels. Only one of the four Jefferson's received the coveted star designation. Please provide your guess for which coin has the star and your reasons why that coin starred or reasons why the other coins did not receive the star.

1. 1939-D Rev of 38 MS67: A fantastically target toned Jefferson on both sides with sandy peripheries followed by vivid thin bands of apple green, violet, pink, and sunshine yellow yielding to bright white centers. A lustrous clean beautifully toned nickel.
2. 1942-S MS67: The surfaces of this coin are spectacular. The obverse fields are essentially perfect and this war nickel is well deserving of the assigned grade. In addition, the obverse fields are graced by soft blushes of captivating iridescent lavender and lime green toning. And just when you thought you were done, you flip it over and are greeted by a stunning reverse. Immensely attractive toning including gold, patches of lime green, cobalt blue, violet, and magenta leave the observer in awe.
3. 1943-D MS67: Both sides of this very lustrous gem exhibit beautiful pastel toning. Bright golden centers are surrounded by lavender, sky blue, and yellow with hints of mint greeen.
4. 1944-S MS66: Somehow in the vast sea of bright white gems that is the Omaha Bank Hoard, this toned beauty appeared. The obverse has spectacular lemon yellow, lime green, pink, orange, and light purple. The reverse displays sky blue peripheries with a golden yellow center.

 

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Coin #2 recieved the star IMO
#1 has a touch of imperfection on the forhead, an awesome coin though that could have had a shot possibly
#3 has an eye drawing hit above the eye & the reverse tone doesnt POP enough
& #4 has too many imperfections on the reverse , a few spots on the obverse & a slight mark in the lower left field-

All are great coins - thanks for sharing-

 

I agree with #2. Eye appeal based on these photos is how I came to the conclusion.

#1 looks like a weak strike to me in the step area.
#3 the cut above the eye, and the center of Monticello
#4 Looks to have a fingerprint on the obv.

But... Knowing the way things are in the slab world its probably door #4. LOL

 

I agree with #2.

 

Well I would have said #1....but your photos shows the NGC tag...that says MS67 so that takes the running down to 3 coins so my guess would be #2.

The reason I like #1 over 2 is this...
#2 has a weak strike....the hair is flat in a few of the prime points IMHO. The Color is GREAT and the fields are VERY clean. But, I feel that the weakness should kick it out of the running.

The first one has a really nice strike. The detail is very sharp (pretty much normal for that date) but the added plus is the color! The fields are clean and no big nicks/marks catch the eye.

Speedy

 

It has to be coin 1 or 2. Coins 3 and 4 have issues.

To me personally, coin 2 has the most eye appeal, but if bumped a grade above coin 1, may not be deserving of a star. If they are in fact the same grade, I'll go with coin 2 for the star.

Edit, you posted as I was typing Speedy. I paid no attention to the tag, and find a 67 on coin 1 a stretch.

 

I think both the '39 and the '42 recieved the star rating , both are clean with very attractive toning , if I can only pick 1 I'd go with the '42 it's superior in every way .
rzage

 

From time to time, I like to give little hints to see who finds them first. Congrats speedy, you are correct, the photo clearly shows that coin #1 is not a star and takes it out of the running.

Personally, I don't understand why this coin does not have a star. It is very attractive. The only reason I could see would be the very minor spotting on the forehead and hair. Either that or one of the graders does not like the peripheral toning before it becomes rainbow.

 

The first thing I saw on coin 1 was the forehead. Then, the toning and the attractivness of the coin as a whole. That forehead jumped out and said look at me !!!

 

That must be the reason then.

 

I also say the #2, all very nice coins, but that one takes the cake. :thumb:

Phoenix

 

I didn't cheat! I looked at them and came up with my opinion before scrolling down, as I always try to do and I would have to say # 2 got it as well.
To me, it stands out from the other four. The obverse is spectacular and clean. Great strike with a little rainbow hue on the right and the reverse is also the most stunning of the four, also having what looks to me as the best strike. And some cool toning. I've never even thought about collecting these, although I have a few, but this is a gorgeous coin. A dream coin for sure.

 

Suuuureee, that's what they all say. And I thought you were a nice guy. Tsk, tsk.

Phoenix

 

I also like #2, the hit above the eye on #3 is too big for me,

If the grade wasn't showing on #1, I would've picked that one....

Thanks for sharing those nice coins...

 

so which one has the star?

 

And this is basically the point of the thread. I understand why coin number 1 didn't get the star. Coin number 4 has some porosity which would prevent it from getting a star. But coin number 2 is superlative in every way imaginable. I simply don't understand how this coin would not receive the star designation.

 

I like it even more at a distance!

 

THATS JUST PLAIN WRONG - :loud:

Still it is a nice coin but #2 should have gotten a star if the coins were side by side on the grading table-

 

I agree, but this coin was part of a submission that included some other similarly toned nickels probably from the same roll. Check out these two photos next to each other.



I have no problem with either of these two coin getting the star designation. I have also seen at least two other coins from the same submission that got stars as well. The problem is that when months/years go by and different graders see a new coin, there is no recall of the coins that have already gotten a star. As you said, if the two coins were sitting next to each other on the grading table, they both would have gotten a star.

 

Round 2----------Roosevelt Dimes
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The photo below displays 4 Roosevelt Dimes. All but one of the four Roosevelts received the coveted star designation. Please provide your guess for which coin did not star and the reasons why it did not star.

1. 1946 MS65: Gorgeous lemon yellow, orange, magenta, lime green, and brown are dappled on the obverse. The reverse displays a small crescent of similar colors.
2. 1953-S MS67: A sublime toned rosie. The obverse has extraordinary intermingled pastel shades of bright green, lemon yellow, pink, blue, & violet. The reverse is blast white and very lustrous.
3. 1954-S MS65: The lower obverse shows beautiful sunshine yellow, magenta, blue, green, and violet. The reverse has a touch of yellow, orange and green.
4. 1955-S MS66: Stunning vivid rainbow toning on the obverse is to beautiful to describe. The reverse has some touches of very pleasing rainbow colors as well.