1971-S Uncirculated Silver Ike What would it grade?

I have been looking at the PCGS graded examples (nothing higher than MS 68, but those two have no photos). To my untrained eye my coin is at least as good as the 66's. What are your opinions of what this would grade and why? This will help me greatly in increasing my knowledge about grading. The exposure has unfortunately come out a little dull but the coin has full, bright luster.
So, go for it, I got broad shoulders. Seriously, I am looking forward to the answers to see if I am on the right track on the learning curve.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

The poor luster was my first thought, but you address that in your comments.

I see a few slight rim dings and contact marks on the cheek and in the Obv field between the head and LIBERT[Y]. I just don't know enough about Ike Dollars to offer an opinion as to grade.

Where's Joe Ceravone when we need him?!

 

I have added new pics with different background, lighting etc. Problem is it is so shiny that it is easily overexposed and all the details get "blown"

 

I see a few shiny areas on Ike's face -- eyebrows, cheek, and jawbone, as well as on the eagle's feathers. So, from the photos at least, that looks like an ever-so-slight amount of wear. Hence, AU-58.

HOWEVER, the coin under a loupe would reveal that to be true or not. If that is NOT wear, then I would guess MS-67 based on the tiny contact marks.

 

I removed it from the gov packaging (blue pack) for these fotos, so no wear

 

I'd call it an MS65. My biggest problem with calling it an MS66 is the scattering of marks. When you look at the coin your eyes are drawn in multiple directions to the marks. If they were grouped you'd have a better shot at a higher grade. The coin also appears to have neutral eye appeal at best.

Having said that:

1. Grading from an image is very difficult, especially when you're looking to split MS grades.
2. PCGS images help show vast inconsistencies with their grading.

 

I'm seeing 64-65, it is hard to judge from a picture. The biggest hits i'm seeing is what looks like a bit of wear on the leg and neck feathers... That alone could push it down to 58-60, but i'm giving it a better grade as i think most of what looks like wear is reflection... but it does show up in both pictures... without that wear I would say 66-67 but if that is wear/rub it really hurts the grade... and yes you can get rub in a cello...

 

Getting late here in Spain. Tomorrow I will get the DSLR and proper lighting on it.

 

OK, 3rd attempt at photos.

 

About a 66

 

last picture was better, but..
the small stains on the rev will hold it back.

 

MS-65

 

I have no experience with Ike dollars, but looking at the PCGS photo grade, it looks to me to be a 66, but what is going on with the Earth? Looks like part of it is missing.

 

I did not notice but Mountain Man is right, part of the earth is missing. Houston, we have a problem...

 

That is typical of the 71-S rev. die.

 

Yes, on that reverse the earth is typically flattened at about the 10 o'clock position.
I am still playing with the lighting, I am determined to show the luster on this coin

 

With the last pic I would say 65... might edge into 66

 

After looking at the half dozen 67's I have I would guess a 65 to maybe a 66. Like everyone has said it is hard to grade a coin from a photo. Let us know what it grades out as.

 

If luster is as strong as you say, I could see it grading a 67. By the way, there are 58 known double obv. dies on the 71-S. There may be doubling on yours.

 

I am looking at the doubled obv. listings now, I never noticed it before through the blurry layers of cello