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.
No apologies needed as I wasn't upset by any of the comments; they were perfectly reasonable. As far as determining a premium, it sometimes is just a guessing game and depends on how much one really wants the coin (plus can afford to spend). You can check auction listings and try to find comparable coins but that is not always possible as some toners are quite different from each other. The final price also can vary quite a bit based on how many people are watching the auction. If one extra person gets involved, it can cause a bidding war that takes the price into moon money territory. Your nickel is very cool and so is your avatar Barber!
