It's like debating single points in MS, you can be anal about it, or optimistic in your subjective opinion. They all fit to this coin... FR-2 Mostly worn, though some detail is visible AG-3 Worn rims but most lettering is readable though worn G-4 Slightly worn rims, flat detail, peripheral lettering nearly full G-6 Rims complete with flat detail, peripheral lettering full VG-8 Design worn with slight detail VG-10 Design worn with slight detail, slightly clearer
Keep in mind the title of this thread is "Everyone is entitled to their opinion" So its only fair that we give PCGS the right to their opinion too.....
Agreed on the overdate. I too grade the coin F12 for the reverse detail, but it doesn't warrant Fine money. The obverse die exhibits a great deal of erosion, probably from use before being dated 1824. The reverse die may have been newly cut when put into the press with the obverse die already having served out most of its useful life, thus explaining the unequal detail under equal striking pressure. - Mike
Was gonna say vg-8 I can see the 6 too as liberty is not clear which is usually the deciding factor between g-vg. The reverse is far better figured they'd net grade it vg
G-6 is a bit tough, but I agree with the grade for the same reasons that Sinsei Doug has already stated. Most say that he is to harsh of a grader, but you have to look at the coin in its entirety to assign a grade; just looking at a single wing on the reverse doesn't tell the whole story. What if the obverse was badly damaged, would using a reverse design element help assigning a grade.
I think PCGS was a bit tough on that coin. I Think that coin grades VG8 all day long any day, and VG 10 on a good day. Mike
I was guessing that the grade would be a surprise at the opposite extreme. It makes me wonder about their consistency...
Another rant by Doug on TPGs. What else is new? The coin appears to me VG 8. The PCGS photo grade is most helpful for most collectors,despite what our fearless leader states.
Classic case of market grading. Reverse is a strong VG but the obverse is a G6. The coin can only grade as high as the obverse since that is what people and the "market" tend to favor.
If we're going to be very strict and literal, I don't see how it could really be G6, judging by the description of G-6 "Rims complete with flat detail, peripheral lettering full". Doesn't G4 offer a more accurate description of the reverse "Slightly worn rims, flat detail, peripheral lettering nearly full"? AG-3 looks even better "Worn rims but most lettering is readable though worn". The coin just looks too nice to drop it that much. At some point, eye appeal and common sense must take over. Wear patterns and strike weakness will vary from coin to coin, so will opinions on grading.