First Spouse TPG Question

Hi Guys-

I have 4 MS Taylor's that I want to send to PCGS for a First Strike but I noticed that there are identical scratch-like marks on all four of the coins in the field to the left the obverse portrait (between the R in Margaret and OD in God. Could these be scratches in the die or die polish? And if so, would it effect the chances for a 70? I've seen some NGC 70s with flaws in the planchet. It also seems unusual that all 4 coins would come from the same die, is it possible that it's a flaw in the hub? I just got them yesterday and if I send them back I doubt it will be in time for FS designation.

Thanks for any thoughts!
-Robin

 

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I think the fact that you've opened up the boxes and taken a peak of what you've received precludes you from getting "first strike" designation. I believe the coins must be shipped to the TPG'er unopened in order to obtain such a designation. I could be wrong though, and if I am someones gonna let us know....

 

As long as I postmark them by the cutoff, FS is good! They still charge for handling as if I sent in all that OGP though!

 

I would say that if the coins have scratch marks, you have no chance for a 70.

 

Sounds like the choice is to either submit scratched coins for a FS67-68 or to return them and submit your new coins for a regular label and hope for a 70.

Which is more important to you ? Is it the mythical FS piece of paper in the plastic holder or is it the mythical grade of microscopic perfect known as the MS70.

Personally, I've never seen a MS70 from either company with a flaw, planchet or otherwise.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

Thanks for your advice; I understand that the FS and the 70 are both mythical.

I guess my lingering question is how can 4 coins have the exact same scratch-like marks?

 

Those scratches are on the coin and not the holder?

 

I think, They were on the actual coin!!

 

Yes, the top of the holder is removed so the marks are on the coin--and all four coins have the same vertical striations; most significantly, the pair that touch the OD in God. There's lines going a different direction just to the right of In God We Trust which are also repeated exactly on the other 3 coins.

 

send the defective coins back

 

My feeling too. These coins cost too much money for one to put up with inferior workmanship. If these coins were in a mint set or a proof set I'd probably live with it and just order another set.

 

I'm still trying to get better at predicting the 69/70 breaking point. Here's a couple surprises.

The first pic is a coin I sent to NGC with two other Jacksons. This one had a visible debit like a tiny, tiny pebble was struck into the field and then removed (follow the nose to the left). I thought the other two looked perfect. The one pictured with the debit? 70. The other two? 69.

So I bought an NGC 70 on eBay, the second pic. It's hard to tell in the photo but there is what appears to be a scuff mark between the top 2nd and 3rd stars. Shifting it in the light, it has that milky, scuff-mark look!

 

seriously now I wonder if TPGs know how to grade or if they use a dart board...

 

Those coins are sharp!! Excellent