I like to start off by saying that higher grade MS coins are tough for me to differentiate. I do follow the criteria listed out by the various TPGs, but it doesn't seem to make sense to me after a certain point (MS63-ish), as I guess the grades wrong beyond that point. It's a work in progress. Anyway, what do you think these two uncirculated 1925 year coins should grade as, and what would their "real" market value be (e.g. median or average HA or eBay prices)? NGC's price guide is usually what I gravitate towards, but that's only one point of reference for me, and what people pay for them tends to greatly differ. I want to send these off to NGC if it's worth it - otherwise, they'll go into an air-tite. And, I believe the black dots are carbon spots. Thanks in advance! 1925 Stone Mountain Commemorative Half Dollar ____________________________________________ 1925 Standing Liberty Quarter - Partial Full Head?
I wouldn't submit the SM commem and the SLQ is far from FH. Hard to tell from the pics, but I'd guess it would grade in the high AU / low MS range due to weak strike, not enough luster and possibly minimal wear...?
I would leave them both raw as the the grading fees are so high and if you did send them off, I suspect they may come back as cleaned. Agree with micbraun on the grade of high AU, but the surfaces have a slight gloss and diminished luster which makes me think they've been dipped. See the stains on the SLQ, at one point in time those were much darker I bet. Also the pitting speck by the 3rd star (under the eagle) wouldn't help. Just being picky with the magnified views, but the graders would be too. Bet they look awesome in-hand and will be perfect in air-tights! Value on the Stone Mountain at around $50 and $40 on the SLQ, IMHO
Thanks, it's interesting to see that the SLQ has a bit of wear on the face and the shield area. Yet, the rest of the coin looks nicer, so it appears suspiciously inconsistent with the rest of the coin. Glad I asked you all because I struggle with identifying higher grade coins, "professionally" dipped coins, etc.... no matter how many coins I've looked at. One day it'll all click.
The standing .25 looks like a au that's been dipped. Light wear and to me totally unappealing surfaces The stone mountain again likely dipped and a low ms. I'd go 62
I'd give the Stone Mt. a MS-63-64 if the luster is there . I'd agree with Mainebill that the SLQ was most likely dipped and is in about the AU-55 range .
I like the Stone Mountain. Can't really grade it from your pictures. It appears relatively free of contact marks. The surfaces on the SLQ don't look right to me. Maybe it's the pictures, but they look polished.
After giving it much thought, I think that you're right on. These two coins are from two different sellers, despite the same year (I didn't mention this point earlier so as to better exclude any bias in grading). The Stone Mountain looks very attractive, and I'll keep it in a capsule. It's probably still not worth it to send it off to NGC... unless it's a very high grade MS. The SLQ, however, looks too inconsistent.
@iPen , I like that Stone Mountain a lot, just judging from the pictures you posted. If you do send it in, let us know how it graded.
Will do! I'm still trying to figure out which coins to send to NGC in bulk. I'll probably make a thread right before I've decided to make sure I've chosen "wisely".
I submitted a Stone M to NGC like 2 years ago and it came back 64. So basically I wasted my money as any of the commonly available half dollar commem's do not bring any premium below MS65/66. So maybe just submit your best coins and you'll have better results.
Here is my Stone Mountain......that came back as cleaned. That's why I say not to bother, mine looked just as nice. And still does, back in an album
