What I find to be interesting is that only 1 person guessed the grade correctly, with none going over, 83.3% 2 grades lower, and most being 3 grades lower. And the one person is "Sweet on Commems". This begs the following questions; Is PCGS over-grading by so much? Are my photos so bad? Do I buy horrifically over-graded coins? Do CT'ers just not (for the most part) understand early commems (this has been typical of my Commemorative GTG's) Are GTG's so skewed by early guesses that the coin becomes irrelevant? I doubt PCGS is that far off, because if they are, then CAC is too, and both entities become a worthless premium, and an embarrassment to the numismatic world. I think my photos (and in this case subsequent videos) show the coin in it's truest state, so I'll rule that out. I sure as heck hope I don't buy ridiculously over-graded coins. I like to think I know a little about what I'm collecting. Hmmm....
I think in this particular case it’s the fact that it’s a commemorative, and it’s a coin with a thick original skin. The delicate antique quality that can look gem in hand is really challenging to discern from crusty, dead low MS surfaces from images. I love buying coins like that when I can see them at a show but on the web it feels like Russian roulette.
Is PCGS over-grading by so much? No...I think they do over grade occasionally but usually it's not 2+ points and it's not super common Are my photos so bad? Your photos are good. Do I buy horrifically over-graded coins? No. You have a great eye for coins. Do CT'ers just not (for the most part) understand early commems (this has been typical of my Commemorative GTG's) This has some merit. The variety of Commemorative coinage also makes it hard to know the intricacies of each (especially for something like wear/weak strike). Are GTG's so skewed by early guesses that the coin becomes irrelevant? I do think early guesses skew others. Some don't look at what others say before guessing while others do and might change their opinion. I also think @CircCam makes a good point. The thick skin presents a challenge. It led me to thinking the luster would be subdued (which would normally prevent a 65 grade).
I agree on this observation..........that's why I like to get my opinion in, early on in the thread, and not be influenced by other posters.
My strategy is to just look at the first post, make my determination, and post. Then go back and read other comments.
I try to do that, but just so many times, I sneak peak. I do get a 'gut' impression first off, but I hate the prospect of tempting subsequent posts influencing my initial judgment. 2nd guess and all, and not trusting my initial feeling. That's why I like to be 'early in'.
But I did 'stand pat' with this one.........I felt it worthy of the grade, and when given the option to change on it, I declined.
You like it, CAC liked it...honestly, I believe there must be some eye appeal there that isn't coming through in the photos.
@Beefer518 As you can tell from my guess, I agree with the two previous posters who mentioned that it was difficult to judge the luster. Based on the grade and CAC sticker, I know that in hand the coin is lustrous and well deserves its grade but darn--seeing that fact through the toning just wasn't possible, at least for me.