GTG 1951-S Washington Quarter NGC

I'll be honest, I'm surprised it graded that high. But, it's true...these are nearly impossible to grade in photos. I also think that with this type of toning...luster can easily hide in photos. It would be an interesting coin to view in hand. I wonder how clear the marks on the cheek are...I suspect the photo makes them look worse than they are.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I'd go with 65 tops, but would never want the thing.

 

I think your view of fingerprints on coins is probably shared by most of the other members responding to this thread and is likely the reason for many of the low grade votes. I wonder what grade people would say this coin is if it didn't have the finger print.

 

Personally, I would have said MS66 without the fingerprints. I think the marks on the cheek limit it to that. That being said, I do wonder if the light used in the photo is making those marks look worse than they are. In such a key focal area, I doubt NGC would let them go if they are that obvious. Being in a non-toned area, they really seem to stand out.

 

MS-64

 

I try to remind myself that we are grading based on pictures, vs NGC who actually got to examine the coin in hand. This quarter would probably drive me up a wall if I had to photograph it.

 

This whole exercise just reinforces why I don't care too much for TPG and those that place a high value on their opinions. I wouldn't take a second look at this coin little lone think of grading it, but that's just me.

 

FWIW, I would have guessed NGC MS66. MS67 is a MAJOR stretch IMO. The toning is above normal for toned 1951-S Mint Set Washingtons. The toned ones tend to be fugly (dark gray toning, black spots etc.). Note, this above normal toning does NOT mean it is deserving of a star, it simply means that it is above normal for Mint Set TONED 1951-S Washingtons.

 

I agree Sy, the toning is quite attractive for a 51-S but nowhere near star worthy. And this coin is totally maxed out at MS67. It just seems that NGC favors these crusty Washingtons. I don’t think PCGS ever gives this MS67 and I don’t think CAC ever gives it a green bean.

 

As I said earlier, toning hides things. There's only one way to find out, and I don't recommend it.

 

There's no way to remove the fingerprint. You can dip the toning away but that fingerprint is there to stay.

 

Without the finger prints I would go with MS65 no higher but, I'm very picky. It could look better in hand as some have said so it could jump up to a 66. 67 no