I wonder

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Diogenes Diaz, Oct 28, 2020.

  1. Diogenes Diaz

    Diogenes Diaz Active Member

    If you have a coin that is bu on the front but on the reverse it is vf--- how you do you grade it???
     
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  3. ambr0zie

    ambr0zie Dacian Taraboste

    Afaik the grade is given by the lowest side.
    So in your case a VF--- coin.
    I am not a fan of grading companies, so I would call your coin a VF--- .. with a BU reverse, not as expensive as a BU but much more expensive than a VF.
     
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  4. Mike Davis

    Mike Davis Well-Known Member

  5. tommyc03

    tommyc03 Senior Member

    Personally, I am not a fan of split grading when it's listed as such. I use the lower of the two grades to make a determination on value and what I would be willing to spend. There are also coins listed with split grades, followed by a "net" grade. Each to their own and how they do this. But if you purchased such a coin and decided to sell later, say to a dealer, the dealer would base their offer on the lower grade. I also cannot see a V.F./B.U. grade as obviously the coin has been handled quite a bit for one side to be a very fine, so how could the other side be a true B.U.?
     
  6. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    I stay away from coins where both sides are not in similar condition. I personally would note the discrepancy so that if I end up selling it, trading it away, etc, I don't screw my buyer over.
     
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  7. tommyc03

    tommyc03 Senior Member

    I agree and also tend to stay away unless it's a key date that I could not otherwise afford.
     
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  8. John Burgess

    John Burgess Well-Known Member

    realistically speaking, it is very odd to have two sides so far apart. I mean it's suggesting one side has a really decent amount of circulation wear, while the other side is uncirculated.....

    If this is the case, then something is really fishy here and the coin was likely damaged, artificially worn, and would details grade. I mean a coin that has an AU58 reverse an MS60 obverse is going to grade AU. Because it shows signs of circulation the coin can't be MS anymore.

    Even, let's take a coin that's AU55 on obverse and AU58 on reverse. overall they may slide it to a low 58, or it might get a high 55, depending on eye appeal. it could be a nice looking 55 or a weak looking 58 depending on the graders at the time and what they can agree to for it. but there's no doubt about it being circulated at all.

    I really don't think your hypothetical scenario happens in the real world without surface manipulation,,, i.e. an intentionally damaged coin (altered surfaces), and the grade would reflect that.
     
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  9. jb10000lakes

    jb10000lakes Well-Known Member

    Interesting post. I literally just picked up a 1957-D penny off the ground the other day that the front was just beautiful, could even see the luster to it. Back side looked like it had been dragged across the asphalt. Was even going to take a picture to post here, but got lazy and tossed it in the "copper" bag I save for my nephew.
     
  10. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Supporter! Supporter

    Photos would be a big help.
     
  11. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    That works for most coins the modern era, but not for many ancients, British hammered pieces and tokens. Some pieces are always stronger on one side than the other.

    If you find one that does not conform to the norm, it's either an exceptional piece (less likely) or a counterfeit (much more likely).
     
  12. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Go by the worse grade but I personally avoid such coins.
     
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  13. longnine009

    longnine009 Darwin has to eat too. Supporter

    A tune to grade by.

     
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  14. jb10000lakes

    jb10000lakes Well-Known Member

    20201028_152807.jpg 20201028_152745.jpg
     
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  15. jb10000lakes

    jb10000lakes Well-Known Member

    OK, it was a '67. Got too many coin things in my head. Poor phone pix.
     
  16. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    It is unusual to have 2 sides so far apart, but I've seen it. It is most common on coins which were in jewelry or belt buckle mounts. Depending on the type of mount, one side would be protected and the other would be subjected to the elements.

    Again, depending on the type of mount, it may have also damaged the edge/rim of the coin and will thus be a details coin.

    I personally would not want a coin like this. However, the best way to describe it would be to put a split grade on it (AU obverse, VF reverse). You just can't properly describe a coin like this with a single grade.
     
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