I figured this one could be its own thread. Part of my recent ICG sub had a colorful American Samoa Proof Quarter. ICG gave it a PR 69+ grade (the plus with a 69 being less common and not done by PCGS or NGC; I don't think Anacs does it either). Here is the raw photo and then the slab: \\
I think what Michael was wondering is did the toning occur in the proof packaging. Or was it sold as a raw coin in a flip?
I think there are several potential explanations for the toning: 1) The original proof set was stored in a hot/humid environment for several years 2) Someone accelerated the toning with heat or chemicals 3) It was left out in a favorable environment that caused the toning quicker than normal (but no chemicals were applied) I bought it raw from a seller on eBay about two years ago. I bought an Arizona state quarter from him as well that had rainbow color. That one I resold raw and the buyer received a straight grade from PCGS. So while the color might be questionable, some of the grading services are calling it market acceptable.
By raw, I meant not in a grading company slab. The first picture was taken inside of a generic self-slab where I was storing it before sending to ICG.
I bought it on eBay raw in a 2 x 2 holder (not in the proof packaging). I then kept it in a generic slab (lighthouse) before sending to ICG.
It reminds me of a wild toned PF 05'D Jefferson Buffalo reverse I have, I think that mine are a little more pastel. Not sure about the plus. The 69 looks appropriate.
Maybe these are dumb questions, but I feel I have to ask: 1. What makes 69+ different than 70? (I'm assuming 69+ means, 69 with special eye appeal, but doesn't otherwise qualify for a 70.) 2. Assuming there is indeed a difference, is 70+ technically possible? Can a coin be perfect but have higher eye appeal than other perfect coins?
70+ is not possible. If someone accelerated the toning that counts as AT, can be detected and shouldn't straight grade.
I could not find a definition of the plus grade but my best guess is that it is like the other grading services where a plus means the top end of the grade. So this is among the better 69 graded coins. If we had half grades, I would imagine it would be a 69.5. I do not think that 70+ is possible since the scale stops at 70.0
Well Market acceptable is not always mark acceptable. I know their are collectors who like them and that is fine with me. I tend to stay away from them - just don't know enough to risk buying them - especially raw.
Everyone has their standards and that is perfectly fine by me. With this coin, the raw price was low enough and I liked the look regardless of the grade. I actually kept it raw for a while before I finally had some other coins to try the ICG CoinTalk special ($10 per coin plus shipping) and figured I would give this one a try too.
Apologies - that comment about Mark acceptable was not directed towards this coin. TPGS tend to grade some coins that just really seem wrong for the coin to me, but are what I think they consider market acceptable. I did not mean this type toning specifically or this coin. What was directed towards this coin - is my lack of knowledge to even begin to buy one even in a holder, much less raw. I mean how to determine a premium - I mean it seems sometime the same type toning on 2 different coins(same date,grade and mint mark) and one goes for a little premium and another goes for mega bucks. I do like they way some of those rainbow toned morgans look - but just can't figure out exactly how this works. For this coin and I should have been clear - it is nice and I hope you make the mega bucks if you ever sell. The closet I come to something like this - is my 1942-D nickel. And my favorite kind of toning is like my avatar.
