I sent in some coins to be slabbed, and included some for a friend of mine. First batch, my 1982 George Washington Half, his 2006 Eagle Set. Mine popped at PR68, his popped at PR70, PR70, and MS69. Second batch, my 1923 S Peace and his 1909 VDB. Mine popped at AU55, his popped at MS66RD. What a jerk, right?
When you look at the mintage difference between your modern day commemorative and your Peace dollar vs your friends submittal, his choice warrants grading, yours does not. I don't think the economics was worth the chance, regardless. But for the experience and giving you an idea of grade, it has learning value.
Just taking the most modern coins into account makes me think you very well may have purchased the 1982 GW well after the issue date whereas your friend either purchased the 2006 set directly from the US Mint or relatively soon afterwards. If so, then your 1982 GW had many years to pass through the hands of folks who might examine it with the idea that it might be submitted whereas the 2006 set might have not gone through such scrutiny. Regardless, I believe the high end quality of coins produced in 2006 was on average higher than that produced in 1982. In other words, you had the deck stacked against you.
It depends - does he have more experience at this than you? The moderns are a gamble to get PR70's. But maybe on the cent his experience came through. Of course if you both have the same experience - then maybe his was just luck. In either case it is a learning experience for you - at least how I look at it.
I agree with this totally. 1982 was the first year of the modern commemorative's and to put it bluntly QC at the mint sucked big time back then. By about 1999 things were changing vastly as priorities were aligned more to making a collectable product.
Its amazing how people spending years learning how to grade magically turns into luck huh? Reminds me of all of those 99 percenters, and how they have time to whine and moan to the media how they are "unlucky", while those hard at work studying, working, or both are simply the "lucky" ones.
I am sure you are happy for him. You will have your day too. Nice score for him on that 70 reverse proof silver eagle!
I understand, and I was jesting with him as well. Maybe it didn't come across that way. If it didn't I apologize.
