Guess the grade - Ike's #201

I have no idea who, but I do agree with Doug's comments.

Like you, I have 3 sets of almost all uncirculated Lincolns, but I look hardest for nice woodies in another set.

BTW, like you are not Ike, I am not rIm. Everyone seems to have a problem with small i's versus l's (L).

 

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I'm going to say MS66 with this one.

 

Poll closing soon...any last minute guesses?
Lance.

 

Thanks, everyone, for playing. The problem with large images of small coins is that every tiny flaw is exaggerated.

Here's the answer. Sorry no one guessed it.

Lance.

 

I wonder if those spots were not there on the reverse when it was graded. They were the only thing that kept me from saying 68.. That obverse is real nice.

 

It is a very nice coin, but I must ask what makes you think PCGS's grade is conservative?

 

I was wondering the same thing. I don't think 68 is a conservative grade for this coin at all. It's a very nice coin though.

 

He did not say PCGS graded his coin conservatively. He said PCGS is conservative (grading) in most peoples opinions.

 

Finally got it! In other words, his point was, we should be surprised by PCGS, a conservative grading company, handing out a high grade such as this one.

I guess sometimes it takes somebody else's wording to understand something.

 

I see...he meant that PCGS grading tends to be conservative, and that is why this coin is surprising because it's not. I got it now. That said, I disagree that PCGS is all that conservative. They are much more forgiving than say...ANA standards most of the time.

 

What is surprising is that no one guessed the grade correctly. Maybe it's because we don't get to see many MS68's, except perhaps for modern stuff. Maybe it's because we look at minuscule flaws exaggerated by huge pictures and conclude they're lethal. Or maybe folks want to be seen as tough graders with high standards so they err on the low side. Who knows.

The coin in question is a solid 68. The link above has images of MS67 examples for 1943 and 1943-S, as well as another 40-50 MS67 wheaties to compare.

As for PCGS being conservative, well, not too many experienced collectors would disagree with this. I am not referring to organizations like the EAC, with their own notions or standards...simply to the guys we are paying to grade and slab our coins.
Lance.

 

Beautiful Lincoln collection. So then what about about your camera set up? Great coins, but boy those '43 pics are fantastic too. As a newbie at this, I appreciate capturing a good pic worth posting (and I haven't yet). Of course maybe it's not the setup. My best ones are only VF's!! haha

 

VF is beautiful! Here's one below. Go for a nice matched set.

The camera, IMO, is the least important element to shooting decent pix. Lighting, stability, and post-processing software are more important. If you don't want to "settle" then you'll get a D-SLR and a 100mm macro lens or longer. I started with a simple desk tripod, a compact camera with a decent lens, and a couple of gooseneck lights. Later I bought a copy stand with adjustable overhead lights and a remote shutter release (though the camera's timer works fine too). I have a few macro lenses and lots of different lighting. Halogen is best 95% of the time. But it's smart to experiment.

Post processing software (e.g., Photoshop for the PC or Aperture for the Mac) allows you to fix color imbalance, retrieve data hidden in shadows or by glare (if you shoot raw), tweak exposure, contrast, white balance, etc.

The great thing about getting into coin photography is it will teach you a lot about coins and grading. It improves your eye. It also helps sell your coins.
Lance.

 

Fantastic, thanks Lance. The detail makes the coin look the size of a dinner plate. Love it.