Grade This Gold

I was wondering what you guys think this coin would grade. This is my 1925 St. Gaudens Double Eagle. I know it's a common date but I still like it and it was left to me by my grandma.

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Ms-63

 

I concur with Chase.

 

MS-63 seems about right.

 

I agree - 63. Nice coin.

 

Wow! Talk about a change.:hug:

 

It's always hard to say from a photo, but I think it's an honest MS64. Nice luster, few bangs, good detail on the torch flame and torch hand... submit this one. I've done a lot of these; I say take a shot. Who knows ?

I wouldn't be shocked if it came back 65. Yes, there are a few bangs, but only a 70 is perfect. Even MS66 Saints have flaws visible without a glass.

 

The apocalypse is upon us. Head for the hills!!!

 

That is about what I was thinking. I have been thinking I would like to submit this coin to a TPG. I know I want to send it to PCGS or NGC...but sometimes it seems like one is better than the other when it comes to a specific series. I don't know much about St. Gaudens $20. I don't really care which I send it to...but is there a difference when it comes to St. Gaudens between the two companies?

 

Me personally - I would go with PCGS on this beauty. But, like you, in some series PCGS seems to be better and in other NGC. I don't know about these.

 

My first impression was 64, but after looking a little closer at the hits I thought 63.

 

Pcgs.

 

I see no wear, and amazing details, and this coin, I'm guessing has a great deal of luster
The nose is well defined, as our lady libertys knees on the coin, and the eagle is full with detail, and the rays are rich in detail as well
A very nice coin, worth getting grading for sure
I'm going to say that this coin would grade at a MS64

 

What makes PCGS a better choice than NGC for this type?

 

Market perception. Some people believe PCGS is stricter, so they tend to sell better. It's marginal.

 

I have no interest in selling the coin, so I don't care about market perception. I personally don't agree that PCGS is considered better across the board by the market anyway. It's true that they are for ultra high grade modern coins...but for the rest it isn't quite the same.

But, it is no secret that with different types one company tends to be the "better" or "preferred" choice. For example, NGC seems to be more popular for Franklin Half Dollars. I have read in the past that one of them (I can't remember who) is better when it comes to 19th century copper.

What I would like to know is...is one preferred over the other when it comes to gold?

 

For me, I prefer all my classic gold to be in a PCGS holder
I can' say for sure, that they grade stricter, but both companies have under/over graded examples in each, and are about the same
I think gold, looks, and sells better in a PCGS holder, if you have no intention of selling, than slab it NGC
I have no intention of selling my gold indians, but I get them PCGS, they just make the coin look better, and to me, it adds more value being slabbed by PCGS. NGC is also good at grading these gold indians, I'd trust either company
ICG tends to overgrade coins, and with PCGS and NGC being a little nicer, but not too nice, it makes them seem like they are top pop grading companies
For the re sale factor, and market perception, it makes it though PCGS would be a prime choice for you
If it were me, I'd get it graded by PCGS... I've heard they are stricter, and better at grading the St Gaudens, just what I've heard
Ask somebody who is an expert on Gaudens coins

 

I have always felt that NGC was more consistent with their grading than PCGS...but I was looking for a gold specific answer. Thanks Doug! I personally prefer NGC usually anyway so I will probably be sending it to them.