This Hudson Commemerative graded MS63.most I've seen don't have any sail strings or very faint. Is that the usual strike of the die or the master die ?
I don't have one to look at, but if they are anything like 1892 and 1893 Columbia Expo halves full rope lines are only a "sometimes" thing.
That is very usual for that grade. It has been my experience that you have to get up into the MS65 grades before the sails begin to look crisp. Still a nice coin!!!
Even MS65's are often/usually lacking good detail in that area. You should expect a 65 to have fewer flaws, but it's not a given that it will be well struck. Coincidentally, I reacquired an MS63 Hudson recently:
Beautiful coin & toning ! the coin your showing is similar in the sail strings area also,so strike of the sails are not affected by grade I assume.
So it is not unusual to have partial sail strings in this grade 63,but full strings will grade 65 or higher ?
My point is that this issue is typically softly struck. And the difference between a 65 and a 63 is much more likely to be as the result of better luster and fewer marks than it is strike. A 65 wont necessarily be well struck.
Mark, thanks for clearing that up for me, i understand now that strike is not the only determining factor between a 63 & a 65. Thanks again !:bow:
You're very welcome. To illustrate my point, here is a PCGS MS65 - note that details of the sails are lacking on it as well.
Mark that is a beautiful Hudson ...is it your ? From the pics I sent do you think a 63 is a fair grade in your opinion.Reason I'm asking is I've been told be a few collextors to re-submit it . thank You for you advice. bob
No, the one I posted was sold in a Heritage auction - I just wanted to show images of a 65 and that good details on the sails are not required for that grade. I can't tell from the images whether yours looks under-graded or not - sorry. The luster appears to be subdued and the central reverse appears a bit flat/"rubby" - that is an area that can often affect the grade on Hudson commems.
OK, Mark i value your opinion,an should be happy w/a PCGS MS63.Paid $425 in 1996 & it has appreciated since ,so I'll leave it alone & be happy with what I got, Thanks again for you time & knowledge, Bob
