New "top pop" coins and how they got there.

Good luck. I hope they don’t try and nuke it for qc or some other bs reason

 

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Remember the golden rule: if the grade don't fit, then resubmit*




*Note: not necessarily financially sound advice; take it with a grain of salt

 

Are you sure of this statement? Of course anyone can look up a pop report - including a grader BUT...

So you are implying that with a high grade coin, the grader wants to make sure they are not making it #1 pop without careful consideration AFTER LOOKING IT UP IN THE POP REPORT because of a "prompt" on their computer.

What am I missing? I'd like to work with that computer: WARNING, WARNING, you just made this coin worth 20K! Please check your grade and confirm - or else .

 

The computer isn't literally prompting them "are you sure," but the mere presence of that information will influence a grader or finalizer, even if subconsciously. They will need to think not only that the coin merits a specific grade on its own, but also that it is better then the rest of them out there if it is to be a new pop top. The current populations become less influential in the grading process in lower grades.

If grades were to be assigned based only on the coin, populations and other resources would not be available to graders.

 

I've never heard of a grader looking up a pop report before grading a coin. TPGS's are modern "sweat shops" and that would slow production. You know more than I, so perhaps it happens when the finalizer researches a specific coin he thinks may be special.

 

I'm basing this on what a former PCGS grader told me. The finalizer may be the only who considers the bigger picture more than the other graders, but at the end of the day, a finalizer is just another grader, but with more influence. I also think that when a Really Big Coin comes through, the whole "sweat shop" atmosphere takes a breather. New pop tops are the rare exception to what is seen during "normal production" in the grading room.

 

messydesk, posted: "I'm basing this on what a former PCGS grader told me. The finalizer may be the only who considers the bigger picture more than the other graders, but at the end of the day, a finalizer is just another grader, but with more influence. I also think that when a Really Big Coin comes through, the whole "sweat shop" atmosphere takes a breather. New pop tops are the rare exception to what is seen during "normal production" in the grading room."

Actually, the finalizer is NOT just another grader. He/she is solely responsible for holding the company "line." In some cases, he is the top man in the company.

Finally, while everyone may get to hold an 1804 dollar for a few seconds, in most cases when an very exceptional coin comes in, not everyone in the grading room gets a look. BTW, graders are encouraged to take a breather now and then but it has nothing to do with that "big coin" in the room.

 

You really wouldn’t have too, it’s easy enough to know when you’re in the deep end like a 69 Morgan, or 68 CBH etc. Even with moderns there’s still some generally rules where you’d know especially if you’re grading them regularly.

 

I think we agree here. Holding the company line means they have more influence over the grade. They must also be able to grade the coin just like any other grader.

But any grader who finds themselves with a "big coin" is going to process it a bit more deliberately than a run-of-the-mill coin.

 

Most "moderns" are 69 or 70's. My guess is they have a special group of graders burning their eyes out every day on these.

Actually, they are usually much better graders - that's why they are finalizers. Additionally, even if they are not better graders, they have the final say. However, the best finalizers will have an open mind and communicate/teach/and occasionally change their grade.

BYW, "any grader"does not get to grade the "BIG COIN."

 

Not implying that, just saying that a Big Coin™ will cause graders at all levels of the food chain to slow down and take it in.

 

Would a... say.... $25k coin be considered a BigCointm?

 

The answer depends on context.

 

1897 potential ms67+ v nickel is what I'm talking about in this thread.

 

I would say so, since it upsets the top of the population for 1897 and would one of seven in 67+ for the type. If you were to say 1883 No Cents, I wouldn't say it's as big of a deal.

 

Ok, so here's the Trueview, which shows the color nicely, but not the blinding luster. I suppose I was too blinded myself by the color and flash, and missed the reverse chatter above the "V." I'm making excuses, but this coin was only in my hands for 20 minutes before I submitted it with my other coins at the PCGS table. Still, it was a brown label PCI MS65 and now it's a PCGS MS65+ and it's market value is much, much more than what I bought it for. Off to CAC she goes!

 

Congrats! While not the best case scenario 67+, it is still a great result to get a newer PCI to upgrade!

Maybe there is still a chance to squeeze out another grade bump (possibly to 66/66+). However, the 65+ does seem fair based on the reverse chatter that you mentioned as well as a few small hits on the face (below the eye).

 

She is Purdy C-B-D

 

From my discussions with an NGC grader, this is indeed the case.

 

Congrats on the upgrade @C-B-D
The chatter above the V is definitely a key factor. Above lady Liberty's bun is a little more chatter. I'd be thrilled to own that beauty.