I was looking through the PCGS price guide and noticed the complete lack of + graded modern coins/bullion. There are PL/DMPL, but not a +. Any particular reason for this? (I started looking for 69+) = nada.
Perhaps the difference in a 69 and 70 for a modern is too insignificant. Most people could not tell the difference between a 69 ASE and a 70 ASE
I didn't notice + grades for any MS grades, not just 69. Shouldn't they be graded equally, regardless of the modern status ? I think they charge the same, regardless of the year.
Ask yourself a different question and you'll get the answer to this question of yours. Namely, shouldn't older coins (as in pre 1850) be graded equally with their old but not as old counterparts (as in post 1850) ? Answer, yes, they should be. But they most definitely are not ! And no I'm not talking about plus grades here. I'm talking about coins that are cleanly graded when their counterparts, with the exact same issues, are put in problem coin slabs; or when all things are equal, are bumped a grade or two when their counterparts are not. The list goes on. The point is, the TPGs give people what they want, regardless of how coins should be graded. The moderns you're talking about are no different. The only difference is the nobody cares about plus grades with moderns like those you're asking about.
I see in the Type 6 (2010-19) there are over 100 MS67+RD's graded. There are also Kennedy's from 2000 on with + grades as well as over 600 America the Beautiful Quarters from 2010-19 with + grades. The numbers are small in comparison, but they are out there.
Yes, it's all about making money. That why they do special labels and Registry sets. The only reason is jingle in the pocket.
From NGC's page: Not all coins are eligible for +. Coins grading from NGC XF 45 to NGC MS 68 or NGC PF 45 to NGC PF 68 may receive a +, while lower- and higher-grade coins cannot. So, no MS/PF69+ or MS/PF70+ https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-grading/grading-scale/
Thanks for the responses. I didn't look up every type, but was surprised there weren't + grades at all in the price guide for the ones I looked at. Grading coins seems like a game I don't want to play. The TPGSs are much more concerned about gimmicky labels, and re-submissions,etc... (profit) than keeping honest, established grading standards which is what "collectors" we're able to trust them to do in the beginning. Market grading has been used, and accepted by the masses. The TPGSs seem to have all the power, and change the very essence of grading to suit their needs, and we just learn to accept it as "standard" procedure.