Changing Grading Standards? I believe if one is to determine whether written technical (or other - market) standards have changed over the years, they need only to read published "A.N.A. GRADING" technical standards, available in my library. My first edition Copyright 1977 varies appreciably from the fourth edition published virtually a decade afterwards (Copyright 1987, 1991). For the Standing Liberty Quarter which was specified as an example in this thread, neither the first nor the fourth published standards have a grading standard for MS66 grade. However, they do have an MS-65 Standard, thus in first edition: No trace of wear; nearly as perfect as MS-70 except for small blemish. Has full mint luster but may be unevenly toned or lightly finger-marked. A few barely noticeable nicks or marks may be present. The fourth edition (10 years later) had interjected an MS-67 grade which was now defined as being more flawed than the MS-70, which the past MS-65 grade was "nearly as perfect" too. The MS-65 grade was now "nearly as perfect" as the new MS-67 more flawed grade. Standards have been diminished, with TPG generating standards that in my opinion, definitely diminishedly vary from the A.N.A. reduced published standards. At a point where I discerned grievous declines in GEM grading of Standing Liberty Quarters, I submitted a request thus to NGC: "I have collected numerous NGC graded coins in grades through MS67 FH, but haven't been able to locate your firms grading standards for the various "Mint State" grades. As a scientist I'm certain you must have a written standard for this process, but others say not. How can I acquire your written standards for these grades?" The response was as I surmised, there wasn't a written standard, explained thus: Thank you for your email. NGC grades coins by the Sheldon Grading scale. I'm still searching for the Sheldon GEM Standing Liberty Quarter written standard. When I stated an exception to the "Full Head" designation earlier in this thread, it wasn't a criticism of CAC who basicly certified that this was one of the best that could be found graded at this level by a TPG without consistent (much less written) grading standards. I would expect a "full head" coin to be closer to this specimen: http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=1128&lotNo=1108#48764876285 This referenced specimen doesn't quite meet the published standard, thus: The leaves in hair are well defined; hairline along brow and across face is complete, small indentation at ear is visible. Cheek is rounded. I personally believe that CAC provides a positive service in a field of collectibles without consistent standards. Although I've spent many years studying this unique design which has evaded consistent production capability, know the published standards, and the varying TPG standards, I use the CAC symbol as a guide to locate higher quality coins, and pay the premium when I concur. Just the observations of an "old fool". :thumb:
imrich: Agreed, and there are many, many instances of grading changes. I was going to quote some of your comments, but got tired. Back, oh 100 years ago, in the early to mid 1970's a coin was either unc or 'really nice'. Then we had Unc, choice and gem. Later we advanced to MS 60, MS 63 and then MS 65. There were no others. Later we moved forward to MS 60 etc. Then we changed the ideas of which was needed for each grade, many MS 63's became 62's, MS-65's became MS-63, and so on. Then, we refined it further to the point where many coins could be upgraded. Times change, grading changes. Heck back then it was either unc or not, just AU, no AU-50, AU-53, AU-55, and AU-58, and there wasn't a difference in price for any of them. Following up on your 'full head' even that has changed, in the past a full ear was required, but (I think) no longer. Just AU or a really nice AU.
Do we have any POLL to vote in Favor of Cancelled Altered Check < Sorry do not really Know what is >>( CAC ) I need to know how many in Favor for CAC green bean Sticker.. So I can VOTE for DISLIKE for the GREEN STICKER But I LIKE the GOLD ONE in the FUTURE...Because Now is OLYMPIC SEASON I really WANT TO HAVE GOLD STICKER of CAC. By the way, the sticker I want is for my shoe side Left & Right.
"Full Head" Designation I believe you'll find that in the original A.N.A. GRADING STANDARD FOR UNITED STATES COINS, the "Full Head" designation thus: The leaves in hair are well defined; hairline along brow and across face is complete, small indentation at ear is visible. Cheek is rounded." was intended only for the perfect MS-70 Grade Standing Liberty Quarter. A coin containing "Full Head" detail similar to the following MS-68 now commands a $130,000+ bid. I believe "market grading" has taken a toll on the collector. JMHO :thumb:
I'm not sure why I click on this thread every time I see it "resurrected"... To read Ruben's amusing comments? To read others' reactions to Ruben's comments? Probably both. -Brian
NO! We already have a thread dedicated to that subject. Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/t211178/#ixzz25bjW2eii