Hello group. I have a tiny question. I recently purchased one of those 2008 /2007 reverse. It is an NGC 70 which I purchased before all this interest/speculation/ hype or gambling kicked in (you pick the word) . Due to a recently back injury I have been laid up for a little while. I decided to try and work on some of my grading skills. Upon examining this particular coin I noticed a small spot on one of the rays, a couple of what some call tiny, tiny, lint marks. Some would call these little holes but anyhow, on the reverse I noticed at about 5 o'clock, a small silver spot on the surface of the rim. Now it is not on the field of the coin but it is on the raised rim part but is somewhat noticeable if one looks closely. I did not even seen it the first time I looked. To me it appears this planchlet may not have got the full effect of the polishing. I examined a few of my other silver eagles in the burnished series and noticed these little silver speckles if you hold them at an angle. Now I know there may not be a perfect coin except in fantasy land but I would appreciate some in put in the following areas. 1. Are these speckles, for lack of a better word, normal for this series. 2. Should NGC certified this coin a 70. Am I expecting to much to have a really nice strike and a near perfect burnished planchlet.
The "speckles" are normal for the series. Should NGC have graded it 70? I'm sure you'll get the whole range of opinions. Some would say that a coin that is exactly as it was "as struck", with no post-mint damage should get a 70. Some would say the coin has to be perfect regardless of if the little minor marks were done while the coin was being struck or not. A lot of times, I think those breaks in the frost or satin finish are caused by the satin finish either not being applied to the die entirely or wearing off of the die...Others may know better.
The same speckles have appeared on coins of the entire series from day one. Now the question is, do the speckles ocurr because of tiny imperfections on the die or do they only ocurr after striking ? I'd have to say they ocurr after striking because I have certainly seen coins without them. I'd say the coin was over-graded.
Thanks for everyone's input. I think my next step may be an "appearance review' under NGC guarantee. I would like to know if anyone else has done this and some of their experiences with this procedure. Would it even be be worth the time and effort? Thanks
Good luck to you bama guy. I wish you well in whatever you decide. This is why I don't buy MS70 certified coins. They are not worth the premium over 69s and I can almost always find flaws with the 70s that make me think they shouldn't be 70s.
Thanks, about decided that myself. I do not buy many slabs as most of my coins are raw. I am looking at this as a learning experience. Fortunately I purchased this coin when it was relatively cheap. If I continue to collect as expected then this question will come up again I am sure. Think i will resubmit to NGC for a re grade , just to see what happens.
