Although I knew most of the things in this book already, I decided to enjoy the "for dummies" coin collecting book. I stumbled upon a line that explained "if a coin has an MS64 OBVERSE and an MS63 Reverse, the coin would never receive an MS64 grade." Now what if you had a coin like the one below. It has about an MS66 obverse and an AG3 reverse. If a coin like this (in any coin series) existed, how, if at all, would it certify?
Well of course, that coin is not real. Its two different photographs. I was thinking, though, about how this could be possible. I was thinking maybe some one got an 1879 S Morgan in 1879 and used it as one of those rubber stoppers to prevent the wood from getting scratched under a chair leg. The reverse, which was touching the ground, is worn flat, while the obverse remained mint state.
Frankley, I've never been enthusiastic about a coin that sold as or was graded with two different grades. ie.,g/vg, fine/vf., etc. I've always thought it should grade the lower of the two regardless and sold as such. Although such details should be included in a sale or advertizing, the value of the coin then becomes somewhat fuzzy, especially for the novice. If such a coin were possible, as above, I would not want to be the one to grade it. It is possible tho that someone might have had way to time on their hands and could produce such a coin by endlessly rubbing one side. They might even rub off their own fingerprints, lol.
Well I think the reverse is more true - you are much more likely to see a worn obverse with a higher grade reverse. Why do I think this - because people like to put them in holders where the reverse does not see the wear of the obverse. Just my opinion and not supported by any facts. And yes I agree with one grade for the coin. Let me go see if I can find some pictures for one of my coins.
Found it finally - I think this could be a good example. I am not sure how to grade this considering some of the weak and uneven strikes these had. What a difference. Eventually I will send this in for grading. The Obverse: Now the reverse:
Nice photos! I could imagine this coin being more worn on the obverse as there was more of an area exposed to rubbing, ie. the bust was more exposed than all of the detail on the reverse which would have harder to rub off. Even more intresting is to imagine who held this coin and what there life must have been like way back then. Nice.
