The Official CoinTalk Grading Experiment 1

I'm at 65 despite the focal point hit. It is original and lightly toned, with minimal other marks. But because that mark is in a prime focal area, 65 is max.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I'm at 63. The mark on the cheek is very distracting, and the strike seems weak. Luster doesn't really show in the photos, so if it's booming the tpg probably went a point higher.

 

I am also at AU-58. If not for what looks like a bit of rub on the top of the cheek where it appears to change color, I would grade it at MS-64 like many others and possibly the majority. I am just making my case clear as to what I see.

 

Since people are posting their grades now, I had also voted 64.

 

I see you are asking for our opinion of the grade, and not what we think the TPGS graded it at, which unfortunately seems to be totally different with the less than consistent grading standards.

Anyway, I'm at MS63

 

While I believe this coin graded MS, I don't like that huge hit in the center of the obverse. MS-63.

 

Just to be clear, this coin CANNOT grade MS-60.

There are not enough marks for 60. A coin that graded 60 although technically uncirculated will be a bag marked beat up mess. 61 and 62 seem a bit unreasonable as well.

 

Never say never ;-) I’ve seen a PCGS AU55+ Bustie today which I would have graded XF45 or AU50. But what do I know...

 

I'd normally agree, but I've owned a few coins that were 60 and 61 that had almost no bag marks (I probably even did guess the grade threads on them ). Sometimes those grades are used to "net" the coin. For example, my 61 appeared to have scratches at a certain angle but was otherwise clean plus nicely toned. So it was "netted" in order to avoid giving a details grade (at least that is what I believe happened).

 

I have a horrible time with nearly all presidential coins. I don’t follow or collect or deal in them so I’m not up with the grading standards. . I’m ok on Lincoln cents. And I have a really tough time with Buffalo and liberty nickels too. Give me early bust and seated stuff any day. Even with the strike issues etc

 

I vote 63 on this one.

 

This coin has satin luster with what appears to be a milky patina. I agree with others that it is very clean save the significant mark in the focal area on the obverse and if the coin had gem luster and eye appeal, I would give it a gem grade. Alas, the luster just isn't good enough to warrant a gem grade with that focal point hit. My personal grade would be MS64+ but since that isn't one of the options, I'm not rounding it up, I'm rounding down to MS64.

 

That seems unrealistic to me. I think it would be better to instruct people to vote for their grade before reading the comments of the thread to avoid influence. I think most people are honorable enough to comply.

 

Agreed that we should view the coin and vote. This is also the best way to improve your grading. My first thought on the coin was 64 and so I voted as such. After seeing the comments I was assured others were seeing the same thing as me. If you see these comments prior to placing your vote you are already biased in your decision.

I think this is why a poll is critical for gtg threads and I am certain I will start using them moving forward. It’s essentially the only way to vote blind of others opinion of the coin.

 

I said 64. My eyes are drawn to that hit on Washington's jaw

 

65. I'll look again tomorrow after my eye apt.

 

Turns out this one was a little tougher than I thought. We had great participation with 44 guesses, and an average score of 63.43.

This was 1.5 points below the PCGS grade of 65.

We'll keep trying - if everything works right, the wisdome of the crowds will win in the end. A single data point doesn't mean much.

 

I would think the dings in focal areas, combined with dull lifeless surfaces, and weak strike would have kept it from going gem. I went 63, but I expected it to go a point higher from the TPGS.

 

Bam.

 

For a Washington it is very nice and an early die state, yes the strike is a little weak but that is not usually a factor until the grades above 66. The focal contact gash on the jaw is very distracting and I think the only reason it did not go higher. As for a gem grade it is well with in the boundaries.