Guess the NGC grade ; 1875 Twenty Cent Piece

It really looks proof to me. Your die markings certainly lends credence to that as well.
Whatever the case, it's an absolutely stunning coin. High grade twenty cent pieces is at the top of my wish list for coins I can't afford.
Thanks for sharing! I'm hoping for a PF63 for you on this one.

 

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Well the way I look at it, there is no way a proof would keep that whiteness after 137 years no matter what type of 'air-tight holders' they had in 1875. However, as a collector of Morgans this is really isn't unusual. I would think that it would come back between PF-62 and PF-64.

 

If it is a proof (and I think that it is), NGC would have corrected the label for free.

 

I typed 63 in the first time, but was afraid to hit submit.

As others have said, it's hairlines that distinguish grade, and toned-free coins aren't given much benefit of the doubt when they come with them.

Not sure if it's a proof or a prooflike MS coin -- the latter does exist if I recall correctly.

 

I think it's a proof - looking forward to what they say.

 

Im pretty sure it is... I have gotten Proof Barber Halves and Quarters with hairlines in PCGS slabs . The reason is also very obvious that this coin has been dipped in its past. It was once common practice long ago to dip/clean coins especially proofs to keep them white.

 

Agreed. It was also common for the coins to be lightly cleaned by collectors (that is all 19th century proof coins) and thus the hairlines are the norm. I do not care for them and I do not think they should be in problem free holders, but they are still considered market acceptable. If you want to avoid hairlines, you are going to have to go to the PF64 or PF65 level (or higher). This is why I don't usually collect low grade proof coins from this era, and I should the one PF62 example that I owned.

With this said, FWIW, I think this was a pretty neat pick-up and I like it even notwithstanding the hairlines.

 

It is a pretty coin, but not problem free. Let PCGS make that call if you don't believe some of us. I reiterate that it was not gently cleaned, and that alone can result in a details slab. I think the 62 grade was lucky, based on eye appeal--they liked the way the coin looked and ignored an obvious significant cleaning. I have older proofs as well, but not with hairlines like that. Sorry, but I don't buy the fact that it is problem free.

 

This a proof coin, no doubt about it, the markers are quite clear.

For those of you that argue that hairlines should give a details grade should really do a little homework on how proofs are graded. Hairlines are the main factor when grading proofs. A hairline free proof would get a grade of PR-69 or PR-70. Try to find any early proof with a grade like that. I can tell you as a proof collector that they simply don't come around very often.

 

Fascinating stuff here.

 

I think you're missing the point. Those hairlines, plus the extreme shiny aspects of an old proof like that indicate a cleaning, and probably a harsh one. It isn't the hairlines themselves--it is the hairlines, plus cleaning marks, and what appears to me to be such an obvious shine up that the coin received.

 

This is net/market grading at its finest. If you think PCGS/NGC use technical grading alone then I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale.

 

If y'alls say it won't make it into a problem free holder, then how come it already has?

I honestly think it will go through without a problem.
It is a nice proof coin but I didn't think it would be that low. I was thinking at least 63 with that one.

 

I think it may get a details from Pcgs but I'm guessing it was deducted a point at ngc due to it being over dipped possibly. Really hard to tell from any photos though. I'd say if it doesn't get details it will get ms62 again

 

I wa thinking it was an AU58 based upon Coin World's Third edition of "Making the Grade." So much for what I obviously don't know!!!

 

If it was a 58 it would be a PR58. This coin is solid proof with a nice cameo reverse.

 

I think had it not been cleaned and I reiterate HARSHLY, it would have graded way higher had it been left alone. It is not just dipped--the swirls and the hairlines indicate a physical cleaning. My feeling is that PCGS will kill the grade, and "details it." NGC slabbed it as a MS coin, as I still say it is a highly proof like polished MS coin that was made to look proof like. The eye appeal got it the grade of a 62 from NGC, and it should stay in that slab, as otherwise, it may be "bagged" as a details coin. Does the coin look beautiful? Yes, it looks fabulous--however, it has been more than dipped.

 

I honestly see zero wear so I wouldn't even fathom AU.

As for whether or not it grades, we'll let time tell us that.

 

Did you just disagree with yourself?

 

Wow, I've heard it all now!! The coin has obviously been dipped in its past. Harshly??? Give me a break, this coin would have never landed in a problem free holder. I have seen it in person and it is much better in hand. The OPs photo makes the hairlines look worse than they are. It is a nice proof coin and congrats to Bedford coin on acquiring it.