Dazed and cornfused! A PCGS grading tale

Well I got a small batch of Morgan coins back today. I'm baffled

Here are the ones I'm still scratching my head about. I'm also confused why I got my coins back before they got imaged, still processing.

1) 1878 7/8 TF Strong. Grade MS61 I thought this coin was overdipped and even possibly details (I myself didn't do one thing to it, was how I bought it)

2) 1886 VAM 1-C, MS66. I thought this one would grade 65 tops
3) 1886 VAM 1_C, MS64 Coin is nearly flawless, I thought it would grade MS66
4) 1889 MS details (scuff) I'm still looking for a scuff and the coin is clearly PL

 

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Has anyone ever got their coins back before they got imaged?

 

It's all in their grand scheme of having people who are unhappy with the grade of the submission to 'crack out' the offending article from its' plastic entombment and resubmit for a better grade. (devil). Thereby assuring maximum solvency for the company in general. (scotch #1)

 

You know, I was waiting on the correct answer. I've been thinking this same thing for quite a while now. I think the conspiracy to drive profits is real.

 

The last few years imaging has been slow. It is common to get the coins back before the images post.

Just to double check, did you actually opt for images on the grading form (add the $5 for the TrueView or pick a service level that includes the gold shield)?

 

And it looks like you at least had some go higher which should help offset the ones that graded lower.

 

Kinda need photos for this, thanks PCGS..

 

Best wishes on this

 

I think they are hoping you crack out 3 & 4 to relive you of some more dollars.

 

Yes and no. It damned sure doesn't help me become a better grader. I'm most miffed about the PL coin getting scuffed details because it's a difference of several hundred dollars in value.

 

Okay.... images are uploaded finally. I forgot to get one of the 1886 coins imaged. However, the MS66 VAM 1-C that I had them crack out of a basement slab at MS67, they did image that one. It has a tiny lamination mark on the cheek, but it's rim toned. Maybe that tickled someone's fancy there. I figured 65. I forgot to check the image box for the nicer one that graded 64. Go figure. I intentionally didn't want all of the batch imaged, but I missed this one.

The one that miffs me is the 1889PL that their report says scratched. The holder says scraped. I see contact marks but no obvious scratches, I've seen worse on plenty of their straight graded stuff. There are contact marks in front of Liberty's head but nothing egrecious. What's worse is I believe the details grade prevented them from assigning PL. This one WILL get cracked out and sent back again.

 

I realize what happened now. I checked the wrong box, one slot ahead of another.
This one also got imaged, instead of the other 1886.

 

They called the scrape on the chin nose and cheekbone it's pretty heavy to get a PL designation

 

The few times I've had a coin come back from PCGS with a details grade or a grade much lower than expected, off it went to Great Collections. Figured it was better to cut my losses and move on. Mike

 

One more, c'mon man!! No joke!! Every PL (or DMPL) has imperfections. The finish just exaggerates them even more. I just happened to get someone who woke up on the wrong side of their bed. Take a gander at the population of PLs available online. Here are some doozy examples. Click to enlarge.

 

Also, upon further review, I looked my copy of my submission sheet they returned with my batch. They photo imaged the wrong coin. That tooth paste can't go back into the tube without reholdering.

 

I really haven't ever played the grading game. So, I am stepping out. Hopefully someone can explain the reason. I see how it could be looked at as a heavy bag mark, and not intentional.

 

The marks on the cheek, chin and nose of the ‘89 are all in the same direction. I can see why that would be viewed as more than just a heavy bag mark. Not sure if another coin could have caused that.

 

I think you called it right for the reason PCGS gave it a details grade. However, folks can argue all day (and will!) as to whether it was severe enough to warrant a details grade. Mike