Most collectors are aware that NGC uses the star designation to identify coins with exceptional eye appeal within the assigned grade. Some collectors mistake the star designation for a PQ (Premium Quality) coin. I imagine that most collectors identify NGC star coins with fantastic rainbow toned coins like those found in the famous Battle Creek Collection. The coins shown below are all Battle Creek Morgan Dollars and each coin was awarded the star designation for exceptional eye appeal by NGC. For those of you who have never seen an NGC star coin holder, here is your chance. This coin is the coin at the bottom right of the photo above. It is an 1885 BC Morgan Dollar NGC MS65 Star. And while these coins are certainly deserving of the star designation as their eye appeal is unquestionalbe, few collectors are aware of the other star designation. The star designation is not used exclusively for toned coins. Here are the guidelines for an untoned coin to qualify for the star designation (From NGC's website): Display cameo or ultra cameo contrast on the obverse only. Display cameo contrast on both the obverse and reverse falling just short of NGC's minimum standard for cameo designation may receive a star. (Coins that display only a subtle contrast will not receive a star or a cameo designation.) Qualify for the cameo designation and, in addition, have an ultra cameo obverse. Qualify for the ultra cameo designation and, in addition, exhibit exceptionally intense contrast between devices and fields on both the obverse and reverse that exceeds by a generous margin that of the normal ultra cameo standard. These standards apply to proof coinage that has cameo contrast between the fields and devices. I am sure we have all seen a proof coin with a strong CAMEO on the obverse but the reverse falls short on the reverse. But did you know that NGC will also apply these standards for the star designation to mint state coins with regards to proof-like and deep mirror proof-like qualities. Below is an 1880-S NGC MS65* Morgan Dollar with a fully proof-like obverse and a brilliant reverse. Proof-like and DMPL Morgans are very beautiful and well worth the premiums they drive in the marketplace. However, it is very difficult to appreciate their beauty from a photo graph as the mirrored fields tend to magnify every little abrasion. This photo does a very good job of providing a flattering image of the proof-like surfaces. Look at the refection of the camera which was over 6 inches away from the surface of the coin. The mirrors are so deep that it is hard to believe that the coin is not a proof until you flip it over. This is one of my favorite Morgan Dollars in my collection which is telling in its own right. So if you like proof-like Morgan Dollars, be on the lookout for the "OTHER" NCG STAR coins.
NGC has graded 5 PR66* Frankies. Edit - Lehigh gave me an excuse for posting this again - sorry, can't resist!
Awesome Morgan! Leigh. How do you quantify PL verses DMPL? I have heard there is a specific way it measured, but can't remember. Would this qualify? Probably not but how do the graders decide? .
Prooflike coins will have a clear reflection in the fields at a distance of 2 to 4 inches. DMPL coins will have a clear reflection at 6 inches with no distortions.
That is a sweet coin that I believe qualifies under category three. The coin is a solid CAMEO on both sides with a DEEP CAMEO obverse. Very nice!
The Franklin is amazing. If I cracked our mine would it get PL? I will measure by that standard and try and figure it out.
This is an old, but a good thread by Lehigh (as always - except when I disagree with him about banned posters ). Given the discussion on the boards about NGC Star designated coins, this thread gives a another aspect to remember (and to give me an excuse to post the only two I own ). These photos are by Todd Pollock and really due justice to these special pieces. First the Franklin (it isn't a perfect coin - note the strike through mark on the reverse below the eagle that evidently didn't kill the star attributes). I've had it reholdered with the new prong slab and I must admit is really allows more light to make the coin truly gleam. Then next is my large cent (what appear to be scratches on the cheek are on the plastic) that has jaw dropping luster and eye appeal in hand. Lehigh - if you read this, where does the large cent fall in your categorization of "other" star coins? Enjoy!
Now I think I would have remembered if you had posted an premium gem Braided Hair Large Cent with a star designation before. Where on earth did you find that gorgeous coin? Oh who am I kidding, I can find out in a second because I know there isn't any other coin like that. Yep, Lot 195 in the 2008 September Long Beach, CA US Coin Signature Auction #1116. Good thing I didn't see that coin, one of us would have paid more! Let me start by saying I am not a huge fan of copper or the way that it tones. However, that coin has an incredible combination of surface preservation, color, and luster that leaves the observer in awe. That coin has nothing to do with the "other" star designation. To the contrary, the whole concept of the star designation was created for coins just like that one. Take a :bow: my friend, that is a phenomenal coin and one that should not hit the market again for a long, long, long time. If you recall, there was a thread started by Charmy a few weeks ago about one of the prettiest Large Cents she had ever seen. Here's One of the Prettiest Large Cents I've Ever Seen! In that thread I remarked that there was only one Large Cent that I can remember and would call a monster. This coin has a serious shot at joining that list. Make a note and ask me a year from now and see if I remember the coin.
Catbert sure knows his coppers , that coronet cent is beautiful , and your cameo Franklin is awesome , like Lehighs toners , now I'm a little jealous , but keep posting these beauties , Dan any new Condors ? rzage
I see I moved my pics so they aren't showing up in this thread any longer......so, I'll replace them here :
