Thanks. I was curious because I came across these two, both graded VF35 so I got to comparing with my example. I guess they all grade about the same, give or take.
Yours has a way better strike for sure. If there’s still a bunch of luster on yours I could see an XF40 grade given the amount of detail present.
If those two graded coins are considered VF35s then yours should be an XF. It appears to have quite original surfaces and less wear.
I disagree. I think yours has a vastly superior strike, and I think yours would accurately be graded VF-35. I think the other two would be better at 30.
I think your coin is XF40 hands down, every day of the week, with a shot at XF45. Detail is more than sufficient, originality is superior, luster peeks through in many areas, and there are no reasons to consider net grading the coin. The other two coins, while not as well struck, certainly grade VF35 for retention of mint luster.
The grading companies have “degraded” the EF grade. What used to be VF-30 is now EF-40. Once you have done that, you have “degraded” everything else. To me the VF-35 grade has you debating whether or not the coin is an EF-40. That’s what did with you half dime before I decided on VF-35. Those two “EF-40” coins are only VF-30s unless there are strike issues that I cannot see.
