I posted a thread entitled "deeply toned coins are hard to grade," and got a lot of debate about strike and wear and just general disagreement. Hopefully we're learning as we go. So here's another trime. Guess the grade and we can debate this one, too! (the light streak on the reverse is on the holder, btw, not the coin). @GDJMSP
This one is not_quite the technical equal of the last, although it's a much better example of the "failure to fill" weakness on the obverse caused by the amount of metal required to fill III on the reverse, which is the basis for the (apparently not as obvious to others as it is to me) argument I put forth in the other thread. I was hoping others would do the intellectual legwork to fill in this blank, and was disappointed. The pressure setting of the strike, speed of press operation, accuracy of die hubbing, die state, die design and even planchet weight differences all play into the character of the resulting strike. That means there can be no definitive, stipulated generalities regarding how the coin should look compared to how it does look, but grosser generalities regarding causatives for certain manifestations when a large percentage of examples present with that manifestation can apply. Think. I'm at 62 in my own mind just like the last one, but with that one's real-world grade as an example, I'll offer the opinion that this one is in a 63 slab.
Poorly struck, numerous light marks, but graced with attractive natural toning over orange peel luster . . . MS62+.
SuperDave posted: "This one is not_quite the technical equal of the last, although it's a much better example of the "failure to fill" weakness on the obverse caused by the amount of metal required to fill III on the reverse, which is the basis for the (apparently not as obvious to others as it is to me) argument I put forth in the other thread. I was hoping others would do the intellectual legwork to fill in this blank, and was disappointed. The pressure setting of the strike, speed of press operation, accuracy of die hubbing, die state, die design and even planchet weight differences all play into the character of the resulting strike. That means there can be no definitive, stipulated generalities regarding how the coin should look compared to how it does look, but grosser generalities regarding causatives for certain manifestations when a large percentage of examples present with that manifestation can apply. Think." that has nothing to do with the coin's grade until finally: "I'm at 62 in my own mind just like the last one, but with that one's real-world grade as an example, I'll offer the opinion that this one is in a 63 slab." I'll agree - MS-63. The color is what makes this coin a 3 or 4.
My first glance I saw luster around the rim that made me think MS, as to what actual grade I would swag 62/63. I don't know a whole lot about these, but some of the dark toning is turn off to me (my opinion only).
Actually not. Perhaps if you read everyone's opinion you might learn something about commercial coin grading. Everyone should know that at this point in time attractive toning is the rage and adds value and grade points. Would someone please ask SD to tell us specifically what does not like about this coin so we can discuss it.
I'm with SuperDave on this coin. The 1862 is routinely found with no weakness of strike at all, and with superb surfaces. Without the toning, I'd feel generous grading this coin MS62.
Compare the OP coin with another 1862 MS 65 that was also auctioned at FUN. https://coins.ha.com/itm/a/1251-8555.s
If they keep going this way everything is gonna be a 70 before long. There are clear marks, on CBD's coin, that are not related to a weak strike, where is the quality control?
Shouldn't have that many to garner a 65. I am not in the market acceptable camp. It's 63 at best in my book.
That picture size is also probably equal to like 70x magnification with how small those are. I wouldn't have a problem with someone arguing it was a 64 with a one grade color bump though