I was looking at recently sold examples of the '43-O dime, one of my favourite seated dime dates. These two recently sold examples examples caught my attention, both pretty, both mid-grade. Question for you guys: which of these is more accurately graded at its assigned respective grade? Example # 1: NGC EF45 CAC Example # 2: NGC EF40 CAC Example # 3: Raw, Collectively graded by the forum at VF35 The last example is raw, not encapsulated and only carries the 'Eduard Seal of Raw Coin Approval'. Looking forward to your comments.
VF+ to XF is such a difficult range to grade from photos. Amount of visible luster plays a big part in the threshold between those two grades and it’s tough to photograph what can be seen in-hand tilted under a lamp. The complete strike of Example 1 lends to the 45 grade (the rarity probably doesn’t hurt the chances of any of these) - I’d personally rather not see the scratches in the obverse right field at that grade level but still a great coin. Despite the strike issues on Example 2, I much prefer it to #1. The surfaces look nicer and I suspect the originality is very pleasing in hand along with nice rich trace luster. Your coin seems to be almost a hybrid of the two; well struck, slightly more wear than Example 1 but very pleasing overall. I think I probably said (or thought and didn’t say) 35 in the thread when you asked for a grade on it, but given the examples you’ve posted I think 40 would be quite reasonable for your coin. Very nice as always, Eduard.
@Eduard if I didn't know you better, I would suggest sending in yours just to see if it can get the bump to XF40, as I think yours fits into this group I think each example has something attractive and not so attractive about it. I can't help but think that all of these coins were cleaned a long time ago. Example #2 looks wiped on the obverse, but it could be lighting or other factors.
I would bet that #2 looks better in hand than the photos show. It is my favorite of the 3. To me, #3 shows more obvious signs of circulation and I would think XF would be a stretch but you never know (at least I can't guess) what the graders would think of it. If it came back as a 40 I wouldn't be surprised but I also wouldn't be surprised if it came back as a 30. Just my opinion as I don't actively collect this series.
The top one has the most detail, I'd say. It deserves a bit higher grade (leaf details, shield outline...maybe some of that is strike?). The middle one has the most skin, but even it looks like it could have been wiped a bit at some point. All nice coins. I like the grades given.
This is not my series, and based on the shield alone (I know there is much more that goes into the grade), I think all three are equally accurate. The 45 coin is a tad better than the 40 which is a tad better than the 35.
Thank you, guys, for taking the time to give your input and your thoughtful comments. Example # 2 is the one which disrupted the grading sequence in my eyes since it looks unduly weak and I could not figure out why it derserved a grade of XF40 and CAC on top of that. Yet, that is the one which @CircCam and @Chris B prefer. I defer to your expertise.
Just saw this thread. IMO PCGS was too lenient with coin #2. It’s not just the strike, it shows more wear than the other two, e.g. on the shield.
Based off the pictures I like yours the best. As for the grade - can't really say. I like yours at VF, but would not be surprised if it was a 40. Nice coin Eduard.
Thanks, guys for the additional comments. 1843-O dimes are noted for often showing lightly struck heads, and also on the wreath. Even with that in mind, I feel Example #2 was generously graded.
