GTG: 1947 (P) Booker T Washington Commem

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Beefer518, May 16, 2021.

?

Grade is:

  1. AU58 or Lower

  2. MS60

  3. MS61

  4. MS62

  5. MS63

  6. MS64

  7. MS65

  8. MS66

  9. MS67

  10. CAC

Multiple votes are allowed.
Results are only viewable after voting.
  1. Beefer518

    Beefer518 Well-Known Member

    This arrived yesterday. Seller's pics.

    You know the routine

    Obv crop.png Rev crop.png
     
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  3. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    I'll guess MS64
     
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  4. ddddd

    ddddd Member

    MS 65....clean fields and looks to have the typical planchet marks (although I think some of it might be hits, hence I'm limiting my grade to a 65).
     
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  5. Publius2

    Publius2 Well-Known Member

    I voted 63 before I looked at other responses. I thought it was chatter on the obverse but it's really planchet marks that didn't get smoothed due to strike? The reverse looked 66 to me and I was wondering how you get a 63 obverse and a 66 reverse.
     
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  6. eddiespin

    eddiespin Fast Eddie

    The obverse fields are near gem-like. The face is hit to hard, too many cuts.
     
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  7. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    Strike - Unfortunately, the strike on this one isn't great - there are a lot of heavy planchet marks across the whole coin. While they are especially prominent on the higher relief obverse, they are also visible on the cabin on the reverse. 63 for strike.

    Luster - Appears to have bright luster, with uninterrupted cartwheel. I'd say its a strong example of creamy luster, a look that I like. The patina is present, but does not impede the luster - the hallmark of an original (or properly dipped and retoned) coin. 64+ for the luster.

    Eye appeal - Very nice. Original patina, as mentioned, with just a bit of rim toning. This probably spent time in an album, and looks quite attractive. 65 for the eye appeal.

    Contact marks - This is the trickiest part of this coin. How many of those marks on the face are planchet roughness, and how many are actual contact marks? Looking at the relatively clean reverse, and the relatively clean obverse fields, I assume most of those marks are from the planchet. However, that's an awful lot of marks in a prime focal area. I know that TPGs are very forgiving on these, but there's only so much I can take for a gem grade. 64 for the contact marks.

    Average that all out, and my opinion is a solid 64. I could see it in a 65 holder if the luster is stronger than your pictures show - but based on the pictures, I'm at 64.
     
  8. Publius2

    Publius2 Well-Known Member

    Nice analysis. I like to see the thought processes of graders that are better than me.
     
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  9. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    I’m not a collector of commems but I put this at a 63. I felt there were too many marks on the obverse but the reverse is fantastic.
     
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  10. Morgandude11

    Morgandude11 As long as it's Silver, I'm listening

    I think it is a solid 65. Somewhat weak strike keeps the grade down a bit, but excellent surface preservation and luster bring it to gem.
     
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  11. Razz

    Razz Critical Thinker

    I have read somewhere Bookers are notorious for having planchet marks not struck out. MS65.
     
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  12. ddoomm1

    ddoomm1 keep on running

    ouch MS-63
     
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  13. William F

    William F Well-Known Member

  14. Beefer518

    Beefer518 Well-Known Member

    Reveal @ approx 5:33 PM (EST), get your last minute guesses in folks!
     
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  15. Beefer518

    Beefer518 Well-Known Member

    This coin is a perfect example why I prefer to buy NGC graded commemoratives, unless I can get the PCGS at a price that equals my perceived grade on the coin.

    As most of you noted, this is a somewhat weak strike. Very typical for the series. All those marks on Booker's face are unstruck planchet marks, with the one on his forehead being a toss-up as to whether it's planchet or a hit. The are a few small hits on the obverse, and 2 (by my count) on the reverse. Otherwise it's a very nice BTW. I personally love the look of the obverse.

    I really think PCGS is overly forgiving on the Old Silver Commemoratives, not saying they overgrade, or don't know the series, but I think they are much easier on them. I, and I believe NGC, would have given this a 65.

    Thing is, almost everyone says PCGS is tougher, but my experiences have been the opposite, especially with this series.

    Oh, and nobody got the grade right. Kind of re-inforces what I'm saying.

    Display.jpg
     
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  16. longshot

    longshot Enthusiast Supporter

    Just missed, but I was going with 65.
     
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  17. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Well I was low but they are just not my thing.
     
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