Oooo, Traz, I am loving that 75 shield! The die cracks not only look amazing, but that's a phenomenal date to have to boot!
Wow, I was thinking strong 65, shot 66. I had to look carefully for grade-limiting marks (particularly on the obv.) after you posted the grade. You're very good at showcasing the best features of the coin—and, frankly, playing down the grade-limiting hits. I'd like to see the coin in hand; certainly a nice addition to your type set.
Finally acquired my dream ancient. Wasnt cheap but its a big weight off my shoulders. You can read the full thread. http://www.cointalk.com/t211137/#post1503505 Orbiana (225 - 227 A.D.) AR Denarius O: SALL BARBIA ORBIANA AVG, draped bust right. R: CONCORDIA AVGG,Concordia seated left holding double cornucopia and patera. 19mm 3.8g RIC IV 319, RSC III 1, BMCRE VI 287, SRCV II 8191
40-s twin rim to rim cracks Picked both of these up this week.. Both have rim to rim reverse cracks...
A fairly recent acquisition, I sent this one out to PCGS in an NGC VF35 holder. PCGS didn't agree with the NGC-assigned grade. :rollling: Whatever. Probably the last time I'll ever use their third-party-holdered crossing service. My theory is that the PCGS graders already have an opinion formed for them when seeing what grade NGC has assigned, so if they don't agree, they're basically telling you "Hey, NGC sucks because they overgrade - Go to us next time because we're for accurate and more consistent". But again, that's just my theory. Anyways, I ultimately made the decision to crack her out :hammer: She'll see the PCGS graders again some time in the near future, but next time, she'll be sporting nothing but a mylar flip and her original skin. On the bright side, one benefit to cracking her out is being able to do some high res. imaging w/ out slab glare! :thumb: It's an O.107 R3 - so-called "Adams apple" variety due to a die lump at the bust's upper throat. Weakness in the scroll at "E PLURI(BUS UNUM)" is typical of this variety.
One of the problems with a cross is that a decision has to be made without seeing all sides. Things like potential rim damage have to be considered. So PCGS (and NGC) have to be very conservative. We all think conspiracy, when it won't cross in plastic but does raw. But really it's a matter of a better look-see and managing risk. PCGS has said if they agree to a cross and crack and discover a fatal flaw there'd be a payout. I like the 1808 at 35 and I'll bet if it was submitted raw it would earn it. But a grade drop to 30 wouldn't annoy me. Here's an 1798 cent I bought recently...posted to stay on topic. Lance.
I hear ya, Lance... I'm just bitter! It's easy to understand why PCGS crosses with caution... Oh, and nice large cent! :thumb: -Brian