PCGS Kennedy grades are all over the map.

Hey Lyds, scored one dirt cheap. How'd you do?

 

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You'll also find when you get to uncirculated coins that they will vary
somewhat by date. Some dates come nice so hard held to a strict stan-
dard but some dates aren't nice so the standard is relaxed a little.

This applies with the cameo designation but to a lesser extent with grade
on the proofs.

 

I think you are wise to be cautious.

If you can't tell the difference, it's probably best not to pay the difference.

Stick to your guns.

 

Very true in all aspects of numismatics. If you don't know WHY you are paying a premium, you need further education. It very well could be its justified, and with more knowledge you know why you are paying more. However, there are way too many people who just assume the premiums for certain things are worth it.

Not to offend anyone, but in this category I would include "First strike" designations. How many people here really think having this on a slab will matter to numismatists in 100 years? If not, this is a "premium" I would never pay.

 

I was dubious about the difference between 69s and 70s at first, but after looking at a few examples in hand and under magnification, I can tell the difference. It usually has to do with miniscule pitting. None of my 69s have hairlines that I can detect, but the difference is all in the pitting. I only have one 69 that's a slider 70 imo.

 

Well, there you go. IF you can tell the difference, and IF its worth it to you for the quality difference, then have fun buying 70's man. I hope you have a ball, I really do.

Our warnings were only for those paying for something they cannot tell. If you can tell the difference, want the better coin, and wish to pay for it, then I am completely happy for you and hope you enjoy the HECK out of them.

Nothing is better than someone collecting something they enjoy in my view.

 

I don't have the funds to collect the low-pop 70s - I'm trying to keep all my purchases of 70s under or around $50. I just wanted a few in hand so that I could formulate an opinion from experience. Truth be told, I'm perfectly happy with my el cheapo 69s. I'm never going to achieve demi-god status in the registry anyway, nor do I care. But it is an excellent organizational and learning tool.

 

Now, with your new-found knowledge, can you pick out 70s from mint sets?

When you can, you have truly arrived.

Most proof sets come cheap. Grading is somewhere about $30 with postage included.

Think about how much money you can save by submitting them yourself.

 

Good thought. This where the rubber meets the road, when as a collector your knowledge starts to concretely benefiting you.

 

I'm working on it Leadfoot. I've got a lot of raw mint set stuff on order. I feel confidant I can pick out the higher-grade coins for slabbing. PR70s - I'm not so sure, but I've got to start somewhere. I'm hoping to find some die varieties at the least.

 

Go to a show and cherry pick the sets for sale there. More efficient than buying sets THEN cherryvpicking yourself.

Like other things in life,its more fun when two people are involved.

 

I'm hoping to get to Baltimore in June, at least. Too busy with work in March.

 

You do have to start somewhere.

I can remember myself in your position a few years ago. Really not all that long ago. I was unsure of my grading skills against those of the TPGs.

Then I started submitting a few coins, and getting a few coins reviewed by CAC.

It really took my skills to the next level, and my confidence followed suit.

That's why I suggested you take the same path.

 

This is very sound advice.

 

This is the reason I don't play in the world of moderns.

 

Each to his own. I'm having a great time, and these guys have kept me from making too many boneheaded mistakes.

 

Do you really think they are any more consistent with classic coins?

I don't.

 

Another thing you can do at a coin show to help you hone your grading skills for free is to hide the grade on slabs when you pick them up (e.g., cover the grade with your thumb) and try to guess the grade on the slab. You should find your grading skills will increase after looking at several hundred coins. And it won't cost you a thing.

 

I had two coins arrive on the same day, a 70 and a 69, in identical holders. I had my wife open them and cover the grades with tape. I did manage to get it right, but it took about half an hour.