Old PCGS Grading Is Terrible

baseball21, posted: "Getting rid of the hard line doesn't mean easier standards."

Come on. This statement is absolute .

The book I mentioned above is called Grading Coins: A Collection of Readings. As far back as 1892 (and possibly before), there was a HARD LINE for Uncirculated coins. Since then, the Century + old and well-defined standard for Uncirculated has been changed along with changes to other grades (AU was added and took the place of the long-established Extremely Fine condition), that indicates that the standards got easier! More wiggle room was introduced and coins that are actually AU can be graded as high as MS-63 today!

Come on. We all "Play the Game." We all know what's going on. The difference is that some of us don't try and sugar coat 100% observable FACTS with nonsense.

The professionals who get my respect can look me in the eye and point out everything "wrong" with a coin - friction wear, hairlines, bagmarks, etc. and still explain why it deserves to be graded a "market acceptable" MS-65. They'll gladly buy the coin at that grade. Their PERSONAL hardline standards don't change - they just "play the game" and don't spit out "oatmeal for the uninformed."

 

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Different doesn't mean easier, it would actually be harder as the whole coin would be considered for it's real grade and not some single arbitrary thing being the end all be all. Plenty of coins would drop out of the 60s if the entire coin had to be considered instead of just saying there's no rub can't be lower than a 60

 

What are we going to be discussing? Different? Easier or Hard Line? It is going to be very confusing for folks who don't have your knowledge of the subject to discuss three distinct topics.

The Sun is out and it's in the 80's. So until later...

 

If you agree with these 2 statements, you can just recommend this post, no need to type an answer:

(1) Grading standards were "tighter" from the TPG inceptions through the 1990's.

(2) Grading got looser, including "market grading," about 2003 or 2004.

 

Your an instigator I like it!

 

For non-vets like myself, this debate and The Demarcation Lines are actually very important.

Keeps me on my toes.

 

(1) Yes. Grading standards were tighter at the first two TPGS BEFORE 1986. Grading standards were not as strict at PCGS in 1986 when they began grading. Gradually the old "standards" were abandoned. I cannot say for sure but one of the reasons NGC was started was due to PCGS grading. There are several other reasons including $$$$.

(2) PCGS was doing "market grading" in 1986 so the dates you've posted are meaningless. Your search for any "Demarcation Lines" will be just a matter of opinion. Everyone has one and most of the folks that were around - including me - are borderline brain dead!