Guess the Grade!!!! 1892 & 1893 Columbian Commemorative Halves!

How about a guess the grade on a pair of Columbian Halves that I just bought???

I think this first one is the easier of the two, has tons of luster and some pretty sweet rim toning, but also has some old prints showing though some of the toning on the obverse.

Coin #1 - 1892 Columbian Commemorative Half Dollar






This next one I think is the harder of the two to grade. Much deeper toning but it's proof-like and has some nice color as shown in the second set of images taken under diffused lighting.

Coin #2 - 1893 Columbian Commemorative Half Dollar






Both are PCGS graded... what do you think they each grade???

 

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I have a tough time with this coin...I get confused by "Strike" and "Wear". My best guess is...(they're both really nice, btw)

Coin #1 MS-64 Assuming the weak areas are due to strike (otherwise AU-58). Just a few too many contact marks on the cheek for an MS-65.

Coin #2 MS-63 This is a very nice coin, but the dings are in more prominent positions. I like the detail better than Coin #1.

 

ms66

 

Man, I wouldn't know where to start. Just haven't seen enough of these (...at least, not in these conditions). All I think I can say is, I agree, I think they're both very lovely, and I think I like the '92 better than the '93, condition-wise.

 

I'll guess 64 and 63. Nice coins.

 

You guys are tough!!!

 

AU58 on first, AU50 on second.

 

The reverse of the 1892 seems to have weak spots (compared with the 1893) in the following areas...

1. The "4" in 1492.
2. The base of the second and third spindles of the railing on the bow.
3. The center of the mainsail.
4. The tops of some of the support beams on the outside, center of the ship.

I guess that's either 1) my imagination, or 2) just a weaker strike.

 

Doah!!! :desk:

 

On some of these toned gems, it looks much better in hand than in pictures. I have 6 in MS66

 

Exactly, that was part of the reason I posted these. Very hard to call it based on photos alone. From the photo of the 1893 I'd say MS63 max, especially of how the lighting caught that big hit in the obverse field. But in hand the color and the prooflike shine is just so cool that you hardly notice that hit.

The 1892 is really a gem that looks like many 66s I've seen based on luster and eye appeal. I'm guessing the remnants of the prints on the obverse is holding it back just a bit, but I love it

 

I looked and gave the 92 a 66 and the 93 a 62. That is a first for me, undergraded and overgraded in the same post

 

I'm glad I didn't embarrass myself by guessing on these two coins.

The second one looks familiar. Where did you get it, if you don't mind my asking?

 

Got them both in the recent pre-Long Beach Goldberg auction.

 

Both beautiful coins , wish you'd give us guys that aren't on everyday a little longer , but I definately would have gave the a min 64-65 on the '92 and a 63-64 on the '93 . Love the toning on both .
rzage

 

first one is a 65.

 

I had guessed 63 and 64. It brings up a point that has bothered me. Red book gives a rough outline for moderns but nothing on these older silvers. I've seen many AU's I like better than some Mint states. Where do we get grading info for these? I've ended up going for well toned coins with quite a bit of strike but I've noticed neither strike nor toning seems to be the only prerequisites. It makes it great when buying a coin for enjoyment alone, it can save me money. What happens when it's time to sell? I've seen a MS66, by the way, that I wouldn't own.[h=1][/h]

 

Im in agreement with rzage 65+ on the 1892 and 64 on the 1893. Someone was nice at PCGS that day.

 

And, I agree with Fast Eddie. The "83 is the better coin. Much of this disagreement relates to one's appreciation of nice toning. But, it also goes back to my question, what reference do we use to help determine grade of these older silvers? It can't just be subjective. Or can it?

 

answer to my own question

Sorry for asking dumb question about the grading of older commemoratives. I have a copy of The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection. I've spent much to much time reading about counterfeit detection. Started going through Section 4 and found that the book gives excellent information on each of the coins in the series. I find it is different than using the Red Book as it doesn't give grades associated with each facet of the coin but it is better than Red Book when it talks of the many specific places to look for wear, luster types, strike problems. I've beeen forced to look at every older Commem in my collection. It's bad in the sense that I now see every problem each of my coins has. Too much information isn't such a good thing unless your going to buy.