With so many strike characteristics that vary date-to-date, I can't seem to nail down grading. AU and BU coins... sure, I can handle those based on luster, primarily, but when it comes to coins like this one, apparently I am a novice. So feel free to help me out and share your knowledge with others here. I had this coin pegged at VF20. PCGS just graded it F12 (worth half as much as a VF). So I wasted my grading fee, but now I'm hoping to turn that into a cheap way to educate myself and others. Here is my F12, followed by the first 5 VF20 examples I could find on eBay. Thanks!
I agree with you on grading circulated Buffalos. I'm guessing the amount of wear on the date held it back otherwise I have no idea.
I did notice the weaker date. Also, just my observation... the last certified VF20 pictured looks to be the strongest.
@C-B-D Since I don't collect these, I took the time to look them up in my ANA Grading Standards, and I found that the differences between F12 and VF20 to be fairly negligible. At least, for my poor eyes. Maybe you caught the PCGS graders on a bad day. Chris
I don't see anything beyond what @Dave Waterstraat pointed out. I'm just here to sit in on the free class.
It's hard to make a comment when most of the picture is taken up with the slab. I try to post photos of the coins only. As for grading, many dates in the 1920s were poorly struck. That makes grading harder for the circualted grades and to a lesser extent, the Mint State pieces. Is the detail missing because the piece was poorly struck, or was it worn off the coin? it's an ongoing question. Grading by surfaces is an acquired skill and takes time to learn. Many people can't do it, and even if you do learn, there will those who don't agree with you.
I think the horn is a little less outlined on mine, but if they were a little harsh, then the grading questions still apply. Maybe mine is a F15, but there seems to be very little difference between the grades at this level.
Of course. Even if the differences on the coins are subtle, the difference on the label is easy for anyone to see.
Nominally, I also would have expected them to grade the coin VF, based on the standards they have set in the marketplace for expected design detail. Personally, I think they value-graded the coin because of the number and locations of the many small marks on the coin. We must remember . . . they are looking at the coin in its totality.
