We all know that coin grading is a subjective practice, not objective. What one collector calls Very Fine, another collector might call Ex. Fine. Coin grading can get more complicated when we designate a coin has Fine Style or that it has excellent Eye Appeal. While browsing through the Heritage Signature Auction 3098, I spotted the Septimius Severus tetradrachm pictured below, & was amazed it was designated Fine Style . The coin pictured below I had NGC slab 5 years ago, NGC 4531309-003, Ch AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. I thought the grade was accurate but never entertained the idea that it was of Fine Style. Comparing these two coins, the top coin doesn't appear to me to be of finer style or greater eye appeal than my coin. What do you think ? The coin pictured below I had slabbed long ago. I don't think anyone would question the designation of Fine Style on this coin .
Odd that that coin would be designated as Fine Style, given that the portrait (especially the nose) doesn't really look anything much like any other Septimius Severus I've ever seen! Nice eagle, though.
Know nothing of "ancients" grading, but agree totally with your very first statement/sentence for all grading, and in your second sentence would substitute the words, grader (x2) for the words, "collector" (x2).
This one of yours is my favorite, especially the obverse and how much of the clothing is shown - fine style indeed!
Those are a beautiful coins, @Al Kowsky — Congratulations on the superb grading results. Here’s the highest grade coin I’ve submitted. Of course I’m always thankful my submission comes back slabbed and not bagged and labeled “Not Genuine.”
D.Ray, That drachm is a beauty ! I would have gotten that one slabbed too . Pictured below are the last two Parthian coins that I had slabbed. The Tet was in great shape but the striking weakness in the hair always bothered me, so I had Heritage auction it. It did fetch over $2,000 . The drachm has obvious wear but it is an exceptional strike, so I kept that one .
