I had this on my watch list at Heritage, not with any intention to buy but just because it was a nice coin and the grading was intriguing. In other threads we have discussed NCG grading of ancients and most often, have noted what people here consider overgrading. This one appears to be the opposite. I was very surprised that the surfaces were rated at only 3/5, especially considering the pitted and degraded surfaces of other coins which are granted a higher rating. Of course, it is hard to judge based on pictures taken through a slab but the surfaces look better than 3/5 to me. Looks like it didn't sell as it is listed for post-auction purchase, $3,290. http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=231411&lotNo=63025
I'm seeing a lot of very fine porosity over the whole coin, but particularly on the reverse. I don't disagree with the surface grade.
So perhaps this one is graded 'correctly' and some of the others we've vetted may be overgraded? Maybe that's not a fair statement though without examining the coin in hand. Anyway, nice coin
Regardless of the coin or slab, a TPG's grade is merely one person's opinion. I delved into slabbed moderns long enough to realize that the emperor isn't wearing any clothes. The only reason I would want that coin certified is because I would trust David Vagi's assessment of its authenticity. After that, I get to decide why or why not the coin appeals to me, and somebody else's grade be damned.
look here: http://coinindia.com/galleries-eucratides1.html for an example of the AV 20 stater piece of the same ruler. That's big !
dang,what a fine lookin' coin...whatever thre grade on surface. with my bad eye i'd rate the surface a 5, with my good eye a 4. in hand..who knows
The surface structure of the reverse is actually fairly typical for this type. Here one of mine (No plastic and at a fraction of the price mentioned above):
I'm a bit confused, my coin-Princess? => ummm, did you actually bid and win this sweet coin, or were you merely posting its loveliness?
