Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;physics-fan3.14, post: 2565316, member: 19165&quot;]Several misconceptions here in this thread, I&#039;ll try my best to clear them up:</p><p><br /></p><p>1. The CAC sticker has no relation to the star at all. CAC does not judge the star, and is not included in their evaluation of the coin. CAC judges the accuracy of the grade, and all other designations (FB, FH, CAM, etc) - but does not recognize the star. A FBL coin that did not meet even CAC&#039;s lax standards would not be given the sticker - but a Star coin with poor eye appeal could still get the sticker.</p><p><br /></p><p>2. Eye appeal absolutely plays into the grade of a coin. The TPGs employ market grading, assigning a value grade to the coin. There is no secret to this - as much as some people disagree with the practice. A coin with decent luster, minimal marks, and a good strike which would otherwise be a 65 can, and does, get bumped down to a 64 if it has ugly toning, and can, and does, get bumped up to a 66 if it has exceptional toning. The Star doesn&#039;t completely eliminate this practice, but it does tend to minimize it: instead of giving a large grade bump, NGC will award a star. They will still grade a coin with good eye appeal higher, but not as egregiously. At least, that&#039;s the theory of it.</p><p><br /></p><p>3. The Star is confusing because it has two separate meanings. The first, as elaborated in this thread, is for exceptional eye appeal. Attractive, vibrant, multicolored natural toning will be awarded a star. Exceptional luster may also be awarded a star.</p><p><br /></p><p>4. The second meaning of the star is to designate a coin which has strong merits towards a certain designation, but doesn&#039;t quite meet the standards. A coin with prooflike tendencies, but whose mirrors aren&#039;t strong enough for the PL will be awarded the star. A PL coin with exceptional DPL mirrors on one side but weaker mirrors on the other will be awarded&nbsp; PL and a Star. Proof coinage with some cameo contrast, or strong contrast on one side but not the other, will be awarded a Star. A CAM coin with DCAM surfaces on one side but not the other will be awarded a CAM and a Star. I have never seen a star awarded for an &quot;almost-there&quot; strike designation, however.</p><p><br /></p><p>5. The Star, like all grading and all designations, is subjective. I&#039;ve seen some coins awarded Stars that I thought were unattractive. I&#039;m seen some very attractive coins that didn&#039;t have Stars. As with all TPG grading, use the Star as a tool and make your own decisions about what you like and don&#039;t like.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in