When PCGS gives a "+" to a coin (aside from Proofs/Morgans), does it simply mean that the coin's on the high-end of the grade (like CAC in a way)? Or does it also denote other things, such as: -Near Prooflike -Amazing Eye Appeal (i.e.: Great toning) Would it be equivalent to NGC's "Star" grade, or "Plus" Grade?
+ is high end for the grade. NGC star is for excellent eye appeal, sometimes on morgan dollars if one side is proof like, it will get a star.
I wonder why they don't really break it down into +1, +2, +3, . . . . +9, then the next numerical grade. For example, a MS64 +3 would be 7 tenths of a point away from MS65 and MS64 +6 4 tenths away.
This would just be one big mess. No offense but probably one of the worst ideas I've heard in my opinion.
Actually, I agree. I wish they had not come out with whole + thing because it makes it a bit more difficult to cherrypick.
Coming out with the + did two things for them. 1 - it gained some extra resubmissions from the people who own coins they thought were worthy of the +. 2 - it was a way for NGC and PCGS to deal with and compete with CAC. For if a coin was given the +, there would supposedly be no need for a collector to spend the money and send it to CAC since NGC & PCGS would have already said that the coin was high end for the grade. You always have to remember, NGC, PCGS, CAC - they all want your money, your business. Their whole entire reason for being in business is to make money. So they will do whatever they can to get your business, thus your money. These companies are not in business for the benefit of the hobby, or for your benefit. They are not trying to do anybody any favors or make things better or easier for you the collector. They are trying to make money - period.
I have noticed that PCGS often assigns "plus" grades to coins (let's say Morgan Dollars, for example) that display prooflike/deep-mirror prooflike surface qualities on only one side (obverse or reverse). On the other hand, in a similar case, NGC would likely assign a "star" next to the grade. I'm not sure how (or if) the "plus" grading standards differ between the two top-tier TPGs.
Any dealer or collector or business in this hobby is hoping to make money. Painting them as bad is kind of a joke as we are all in the pot.
I see noting nefarious in the + grade. It highlights a coin that is high in grade, and generally that correlates with eye appeal. Same goes for the NGC * grade--an eye appeal coin. People SHOULD expect to pay more for beautiful looking coins in grade--some folks read the greysheet and price guide as if every single coin should go for that price, and no more. That is ridiculous, as there are wide variations on a MS 64 coin for instance--from marginal and ugly, to breathtaking. Being cynical and looking it as a dealer markup in the making isn't being realistic to the fact that collectors pay more for coins that are more attractive to them. Here's one of my + grade coins. Tell me that coin isn't nicer than most 65s and shouldn't go for more money?
I agree that you pay for what you get, but why do we need third party's telling us? I understand that it helps to bring 2 parties together regarding the grade/price and even to a certain extent protects those who do not know much from being taken advantage of, it really takes a lot of fun out of the hobby for those who would spend the time themselves to look at 20-30 coins of the same grade and pick the best one and probably pay no more for it than the normal going rate. I can still cherrypick, I just need to do it with coins in pre + holders. I do not mind paying for what I get, but who doesn't like a bargain?
I agree. That is exactly what I did with that 1900o. I paid NO MORE for that than an ordinary MS 65 of that date. + and * grades don't preclude cherrypicking.
It makes it a bit more difficult because a + coin graded before the + system could have been had for the same as other coins in the same grade. Now that they are graded +, they will have a higher price from the start. Now there is still room to cherrypick from among the + and regular coins, but opportunities for bargains have decreased, generally speaking.
