Recently at a local coin show, I picked up this 1930 SLQ. Paid MS-62 price (gray sheet). I think I got a deal. How would you grade it??
Unfortunately it's the camera. My close up camera is 'four paws up'. So I had to drop back to my old one. It does not have a macro setting.
I don't see anything distracting on either side, more than half original luster is obvious, still a lot of sharp detail distinguishable, I would say MS-66, maybe a bit more. Beautiful coin.
SLQ's are one of the harder coins to grade in that AU58-MS63 range. A little high rub hidden in the design will condemn them to an AU58 every time. I love buying them because they are in fact hard to grade in the MS grades and some dealers just plum can't do it. From the pics provided I don't see any obvious rubs... but like I said they can be tricky. I don't think the piece is any higher then a 64 but I can see it making a 62-63... but I have seen very similar coins in 58 holders as well. It's a hard call from pics.
Thanks Dutchman. 62 is what I guessed so when people are guessing a large difference it just makes me reevaluate my grade. But it is pictures and all
I said maybe a bit more, like maybe 67, but that would be a push. As I said, I don't see any light marks, or hardly any wear. It is higher than 62. Possible the grader was being conservative.
The weak strike (note the shield) and the possibile rubs up the middle of the obverse (which could also be strike) keep this dude far from MS66 or 67. High grade SLQ's have a look all their own and this coin unfortunately doesn't have it.
Just got my new camera. Here are new pics. Note that the scratches are on the holder. The only ding that I could see was the one on the shoulder of the eagle.
I don't see any rub, definatey looks UNC. Can't tell if the ear is there for a FH designation but my guess is a high 4 low 5
Get a close up of the head, lighting is blocking the third leaf (if there is one) PCGS may grant it FH if it is, but not a true full head as it is missing rivets
farmerb, i see you are from PA. this wasn't purchased at the coin show in castle shannon was it? if so, i was looking at the same coin. if not they had one just like this graded at ms-62.
I agree with Matt. The coin looks like a solid MS-62 to me. The shield is incomplete and the drapery is also blended into the right hand. For those that haven't learned about this series, SLQs will teach you a lot about strike depth and grade. This coin does not have the detail for MS63 or anything higher for that matter. The head is not full (no ear hole and the 3 sprigs aren't there either). I am also a bit curious as to the dark stuff on the reverse in the letters e pluribus unum in the nooks and crannies. I think it has likely been dipped. Is that an NGC slab or just a nice holder?
Panda, The coin was not purchased in PA. Mikenoodle, It's in a NGC holder. They graded at MS-62 FH. I don't think the coin was dipped. NGC would have caught that - hopefully. As for the detail I think it may be a photo problem. Ya either show the luster or detail. The reflection of the light will hide the details. There must be some inbetween. As for the 'black stuff', think I might need a microscope to determine that. Regards,
