I have been trying to learn to grade by grabbing pics of NGC and PCGS graded coins off of eBay and comparing. I am having a hard time with this one. I would like to know what y'all think and see how I'm doing. I couldn't figure out how to upload pics, so I put it on the web and here is the link: http://www.wallyblackburn.com/grade Thanks a lot (and I will try not to be a pain), Wally
I'd have to give it a VG8 according to ANACS Grading Standards.... Obverse: Entire design is weak. Most details in gown are worn smooth except for coins after 1921, on which the stripes must show. Date and letters are clear but top of motto may be weak. Rim is complete. Drapery across body is partially visable. Reverse: About one third of the feathers are visable and large feathers at the ends of the wings are seperated. Eye is visable. Rim is full and letters are clear.
Good deal - I bought it as VG-8. I'll be completely straight with you guys, the pics are the ones from the eBay listing. I've been practicing taking coin pics (using my daughter's digital camera cuz it's nicer than mine). When I get it, I will take pics myself and see how they compare. I can see how grading from pics can be tough. I grab what look like great pics of NGC and PCGS coins from eBay and think that coins I have look better. BUT - when I take what I think is a good pic of my coin and compare pic-to-pic... Sorry, I am rambling. This is very fascinating to me! Thanks, Wally
I know exactly what you mean about the photos. Its the reason I, and some others, prefer to make purchases in person. I'm working on the Walking Liberty set. Here's my 38-D.
Just curious, what's your reasoning? I alway advocate buying pieces, especially key dates, in as nice of a grade as you can afford. But, I was just wondering what you outlook was?
Since there is such a short spread between prices (for different grades) for this date, I would tend toward the higher grades. G= $135 VG= $160 F= $200 VF= $225 XF= $250 (Per Coin World Values, Sept. 2007). The higher grades will normally increase quicker than th e lower grades, except in unc. In unc -- who knows.
I actually *was* looking for an F grade for this coin (which I bought too). While looking, I saw this VG and it seemed to be going cheap, so I put in a lowball bid and ended up winning. I got it for under $78 including shipping. My thinking is that anytime I can get a key date coin for way under retail and/or close to wholesale, I might as well grab it if I have the money. Maybe sell it for a little profit later to fund the hobby. As a neophyte, I welcome any comments or criticisms to this approach. Thanks, Wally
Wally...you got some great answers from some very solid people here! And on the "novice" thing..well I have been doing this for a long time and there are folks on here that have been doing it even longer and with more variey of denominations that offer some outstanding support and guidance. This is a place of learning, and I do this almost everytime I read a thread on this site. Enjoy the experience and soak up the knowledge. This is a fantastic site to discover how you are also tied to the Histroy of Coins through yeras gone by. RickieB
