Is it just me or is the grading standards for the two different. It seems to me that the IHC is far more strict. I know these are apples to oranges in comparison. It just seems like there is much more details present on the IHC when compared to the wheat in the same grade.
Interesting observation, I noticed this when going thru all these old coins the past few months. Some coins, seem to have a "built in" grading system - in this case and like others, it's the "LIBERTY" and all it's variations of letters visible. I wonder - is it REALLY like that out in the coin buying world - "Visible Liberty", regardless of other wear characteristics? Besides, the IHC seemed so rare and esoteric - to me at least. Not many people - eveyday types - have ever seen one, much less owned one. What does the Wheat have...? cheekbones, ears and lines. Maybe this doesn't fit your query - just babbling then. :bigeyes: Mike
Different designs, different wear patterns, strike - etc. To me there is just more in the design for the IHC. I really do not think either is more strick. Both have same requirement for MS - no wear. Each have weak strike dates - if anything more IHC's will make MS with less detail than I believe lincolns(with the exceptions of some dates).
Rather already said. The Indian Head Cent has so much more details to go by in grading so if they are not easily just blurted out as a MS or whatever. Even the reverse is more complicated so that too commands a closer look. For example the one with the L buried in the hair line is only clear when the coin is of a high grade. So what is on the Lincoln Cent that commands a real close look? Possilbly why so many of our modern coins are so plain. The Grading services don't want complications.:goofer:
All coins have their hot spots to watch for wear. your correct. Apples and Oranges here. Peace vs. Morgan. Buffalo vs. Jefferson. Kennedy vs Franklin.. all have different indicators to go by.
As has been noted, IHCs do seem to me to have "more details." But if anything, this makes grading Lincolns harder and more subtle. There is no equivalent, for example, to "4 diamonds for EF."
If you go to Rick Snow's site http://www.indiancent.com/ and click on the 3rd menu item "grading", you download a .pdf file which should be the standard for IHC grading in my opinion. Jim
I know on the IHC in VG most grading books say at least 2 letters in Liberty must be readable. I've seen many of these w/o the letters that are worthy of VG designation. If a IHC has denticles at least 2/3 of the way around the coin I call it a VG, many disagree. When an 1864-L is graded G-4, but the "L" is not visible, is it really in good condition? Sure, but the grading standards say the "L" has to be visible. I've seen many IHC graded MS with only 3 1/2 - 3 3/4 diamonds. Best advise I have is for a person to use their own judgement, people see things in different ways...
does anyone know of a site for grading lincoln cents that is close to as detailed as rick's guide? everything i've seen/found has about 1 line to describe each grade of lincoln cents.
I think this one is fairly accurate, and the photos are large also. Remember the part about the strike, such as 22D can be very weak, the 1916P should be strong, etc. http://www.lincolncentresource.com/Lincoln_Cent_Grading_Guide.html Jim
It may not be quite as detailed as Rick's, but it is a descent appoximation; http://lincolncentresource.com/Lincoln_Cent_Grading_Guide.html
Because a picture is worth a thousand words....... PCGS has a pretty good site. For Wheat cents, try this: http://www.pcgs.com/photograde/#/Lincoln/Grades For Indian head cents, try this: http://www.pcgs.com/photograde/#/Indian/Grades Use the arrows to navigate grades higher or lower.
