Guess the Grade - 1877-S Trade Dollar

Didn't see the scratched part coming. Not seeing anything that bad in the images. Looks like a good coin for a Dansco.

 

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I used to have a Trade Dollar with surfaces exactly like this one that was in a straight graded PCGS holder.

 

Those are the ones that make me scratch my head. Dealers market them as original because they are slabbed.

 

I can understand the details grade, due to harsh cleaning, but was it necessary to add the scratch designation also. However the net grade, in this instance is good IMO. I'm surprised though that some didn't deem the coin harshly cleaned. I'm guessing that as mentioned, we have become accustomed to trade dollars (and others) being graded differently (more lenient) than the standard. WHY???

 

It's true, and perhaps even worthy of another thread all on it's own. My question: If the TPG's were not lenient on Trade Dollars, Bust Dollars, Flowing hair Cents, etc, thus lowering the pop of problem-free examples... Would prices for original ones skyrocket? Too bad we'll never know.

 

Perhaps there already is a price difference? I happen to own a VF35 Trade Dollar with a CAC sticker with truly original, attractive surfaces. I had to pay a premium to get it. BTW I don't see many circulated Trade Dollars with CAC stickers. Not sure if this is because they aren't high value enough to be submitted or if very few of them pass?

 

Unfortunately, neither the sticker nor the plastic is a guarantee of originality. I have seen cleaned and dipped coins stckered by CAC.

 

Quite a few coins with problems are deemed "market acceptable.' I believe there is a good amount of "silent net grading" going on too.