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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;robp, post: 8161865, member: 96746&quot;]I&#039;m fully aware of that, which is why I question the wide acceptance of a variable standard (sic). No coin should be graded more leniently simply because it is rare. A TPGs business model is based on the provision an accurate assessment of it&#039;s condition, which to give the label credibility should be rigorously applied. We all know they don&#039;t, but that doesn&#039;t make it right. </p><p><br /></p><p>An assessment of rarity is the cumulative knowledge of the collecting community and should have no bearing on the assigned grade. Knowledgeable collectors will know which things are rare. Those that don&#039;t should be reading avidly to catch up.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I would agree that many coins have been lightly cleaned in the past. For any coins with wear, that is a result of rubbing, which in practical terms is no different to cleaning. Differences in colour can easily be a function of time, as well as the degree of rubbing. The question is, why do they let them pass? If they claim to weed out cleaned or doctored coins, then they should stick to their principles. If it means rejecting 90% of submissions, so be it.</p><p><br /></p><p>The whole question of what gets a straight grade and what is body-bagged is moot. You regularly see inconsistencies where verdigris is either classed as environmental damage or ignored. Saxon coinage can be rejected for one peck mark, yet accepted with many. Coins can be repaired and straight graded. It depends which way the wind is blowing. Given the sums of money involved at times, this inconsistency is important. I wouldn&#039;t want to spend tens of thousands over and above what I would spend on something that had had its value uplifted by a repair. We all know why it&#039;s done, as Proof 64 Deep Cameo has somewhat more appeal to collectors than UNC details (scratched), and so the money rolls in.........</p><p><br /></p><p>The oxidation of silver is well documented, so black silver is not an issue. Look on it as acceptable environmental damage. It certainly increases the likelihood that the coin has not been messed around with.</p><p><br /></p><p>Lacquered coins are a pain in the ****. But if it was the only one available, I bet most people would put up with it.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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