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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Publius2, post: 4025886, member: 105571&quot;]I have been following this thread with interest especially because it is a perennial topic that exposes the ever-lasting differences of opinion-always fun.&nbsp; First my guess as to the percentage of over-graded slabs asked in the thread title:&nbsp; 80%.&nbsp;&nbsp; Anyway, here&#039;s a PCGS-slabbed MS-63 1869 IHC that I bought for its interesting clash and die crack and also an upgrade from the AG coin in my set.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>There is no question in my mind that this coin is at best an AU-58 and more likely a 55.&nbsp; I have found that in the IHC and many other series, the key and semi-key coins are typically graded much more leniently than other coins in the series.&nbsp; I believe that is true even taking into account strike differences between different years&#039; issues.&nbsp; I have seen 1877 IHCs in AU-58 slabs that I didn&#039;t consider to be better than VF-35.&nbsp; This is market grading-a more desirable or harder-to-get coin is worth more and its worth even more if we grade it higher than it really is, because, you know, the collector has to have it.</p><p><br /></p><p>I see it also particularly egregiously in early copper where circulated coins are routinely installed in MS slabs.&nbsp; And I am not just coming from the POV of the more conservative EAC grading.&nbsp; A comparison to the latest ANA Grading Guide (which readily admits in writing that it has made adjustments to the &quot;evolution&quot; in grading standards) is illuminating.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Anyway, that&#039;s the way of the world these days and if I want to play, I have to play by these rules.&nbsp; I have just inured myself to buying higher grades for the quality I&#039;m seeking rather than railing against the injustice of it all.</p><p><br /></p><p>Of course, we could all emulate Lysistrata and just withhold our business until the hobby collapsed or the greed was overcome (Ha! Ha!).&nbsp; Some folks have done that by moving to ancients and world coins.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1058413[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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