PCGS Plus the .5 Grading SYSYTEM! Opinions?

Unless I'm mistaken, the NGC star is solely for eye appeal (with the exception for the proof grades). The PCGS + approach is to assert that the coin is among the highest quality for the grade assigned. Eye appeal is among several factors used in their grading process. Thus, I do not see them being similar at all. I have seen NGC star coins that would not be among the highest for the assigned grade. :smile

"The "technical" grade of the coin is the grade of the coin based on the factors above without taking eye appeal into consideration. Eye appeal either adds or subtracts from the "technical" grade, or is neutral as a factor in determining the final grade. For toning, PCGS uses seven levels of eye appeal, from "Amazing" to "Ugly". For luster on mint state coins and depth of reflectivity on proofs, PCGS uses six levels of eye appeal, from "Amazing" to "Negative"."

"Plus Grades
High end coins for the grade, i.e. "plus" grades, cannot have negative or below average eye appeal for the grade." It goes on to say that there are levels of eye appeal and the top 3 levels contribute points to the technical grade.

http://www.pcgs.com/eyeappeal.html

"One important thing to remember is that NGC defines its star designated coins as those that have exceptional eye appeal. The coins themselves could fall anywhere within the grades to which they are assigned. For example, an MS 64 graded coin could be at the lower end, mid-range or higher end of that grade. A star designated coin should not be deemed what some refer to as a "PQ," or Premium Quality coin. Many numismatists colloquially describe a PQ coin as one that just misses the next grade, but that coin may or may not have exceptional eye appeal. NGC does not designate in any way where a particular coin may lie within its grade."

http://www.ngccoin.com/coingrading/stardesignation.asp

 

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I must admit to mixed emotions about this change. Assuming that it will eventually be offered across all grades and grading tiers, I like the added security features.

I am also concerned about PCGS's stance regarding no crossovers. While I understand the need to get a return on their investment, it would be nice to have a common approach to the security aspect of the hobby where NGC, ANACS, and ICG could participate.

Regarding + grading, time will tell how this will impact the market. I can foresee some collectors coming to the conclusion that they only want + coins in their collection and thus their prices will rise (considerably higher than when not labelled as such before) (and keep small time collectors like me from owning a few ) and that non plus, good for the grade coins may diminish in value.

 

Guess I really miss out on this subject since when I purchase any coin in a slab, as soon as I get home out comes the coin. That plastic ends up in the blue thing out there in the alley for recycling of plastics. At least there is one good thing about a TPGS, gives the plastic recyclers in my area something to do. I never look at the slab for a star, stamp, special notice, congradulations sticker, etc. I do sometimes look to see if it says do not swallow, taste or bite this item. I've never sent a coin for grading, don't even know anyone that has either except dealers at coin shows.
I suppose I miss all that stuff about who, what, where, why a TPGS is charging for this or that. Somehow I just collect coins for fun. Old rumor is that this is a fun hobby. I don't even know how to grade coins well so one more reason to ignor all that TPGS stuff. If a coin looks OK to me, in an Album it goes. I have no slabs.

 

Ba Humbug !
Another money making effort. More confusing standards, more stickers on the slab. What happened to "Buy the coin, not the holder"!?!
I will buy a slabbed coin only to insure that it is not counterfeit or cleaned. (And then only classic US commemoratives)
This is a hobby that is being diluted by corporate and individual greed via on-line auctions and lack of quality control by some coin dealers.
just my p.o.v.
(I am not knocking the majority of collector/part time dealers who go to the local and regional shows and depend on the slabbed coins as part of their for sale inventory)