Following up on my few recent guess-the-grade threads, I couldn't decide which coin to post next, so figured I'd double up. For your consideration are a 1928 quarter eagle and 1912 half eagle, both PCGS --
No good on gold, but I'll give it a shot: 1928: AU58-is that a planchet flaw on the eagle's shoulder? 1912: AU50
Believe it or not, both of these are MS61 https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-...et-circulation-strikes-1900-1933/album/109033
I’m really surprised on the second with all the circulation contact marks and high point rub. The first is a clear slider
I agree, but the $5 Indian is actually a very scarce coin in strict Mint State, even for the common dates. The reason is the design, with the fields as the highest part of the coin, is very prone to picking up marks and circulation friction. The Indian's cheekbone and the top of the eagle's wing also picked up a rub very easily. It seems like the grading services have to "produce" some Mint State examples of these coins given that the actual Mint State pieces are tough to find. When I was young collector in the 1960s, the $5 Indian was the one coin in the eight piece gold type set I found to be the most difficult to find in Uncirculated. As it is now, coins were called "Uncirculated" when they were not.
They both look Unc. but the 2 1/2 looks like a 64, but if that's a gouge on the rev. below TRUST, than a 61
That and the top of the eagle's wing are the first places that get a rub. It does not take much for it to happen. The incuse design seemed like a good idea at the time, but it wasn't.
I think they were very generous with the grades. the 2 1/2 is scratched on the top of the eagle's wing.
