I'm still very new at ask this and I certainly don't have a great eye for grades yet but I picked up a few type 2 sovereigns recently that were graded aVF, VF and gVF/aEF. I think these grades are a little pessimistic especially when compared to a couple slabbed graded type 2 sovs I have that don't seem nearly as worn.
I know there are multiple grading methodologies and that the pcgs system of grading based primarily on wear and then assigning a numerical grade within the broader VF/EF/aU etc on eye appeal and bag marks might result in a higher grade than someone looking at the overall grade but I'd appreciate some opinions on how you would grade them and why as well as what grade you would guess they might get at pcgs.
Apologies for the photos, hopefully they are good enough to give you an idea. The first reverse corresponds to the first obverse, the second to the second and so on.
Thanks in advance, mostly in curious about this to gain some insight into grading rather than realising a definitive grade on them so if you could give some reasoning for why you've assigned the grade you did that would be great.
I've also included my two 1871 s large BP st Georges that were graded from the dealer VF and EF respectively (the large double scratch over Victoria face on the final image is on the flip, not the coin).
They've all gone off for grading today so I will be interested to see how accurate everybody's guess at the pcgs grade turns out to be. I've asked the dealer in having them graded through for his opinion as well (he's been very accommodating and helpful), I'm surveying everyone.
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(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/320xq90/r/673/VS1Ehu.jpg)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/320xq90/r/631/cMOuko.jpg)
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Nice looking coins phrenzy, I know nothing about grading them :) Perhaps Eric Eigner or Walter Eigner will be along to offer their opinions.
Looking at the 1866, 1867 and 1870 the reverses don't seem to show the wear as prominently, so maybe they're not that well struck - I'm not sure. Looking at the obverses I'd agree with those grades more or less: to me VF is worn, but not so worn that the detail of the high points is gone - the detail of the plaits and wreath on the 1866 is just gone but the rest of the detail is mostly there; there's probably still enough of the wreath on 1867 to be VF and with the 1870 there's a bit more detail again (though maybe not enough to justify aEF).
Harder to say with the 1871's - going by the reverses the grades seem okay but obverses seem too worn, though again maybe it's just strike.
Just post 1 coin at a time and maybe be can grade it for you :ok:
Quote from: 'markn' pid='66451' dateline='1422956665'Nice looking coins phrenzy, I know nothing about grading them :) Perhaps Eric Eigner or Walter Eigner will be along to offer their opinions.
Hehe, Eric is the very understanding and helpful dealer who has been helping me and answering my incessant questions (drake sterling is newbie friendly!). I think they look a little stronger in person, but I think the few slabbed graded coins I've seen in person have skewed my idea of what to expect from a vf/ef/aU.
Certainly the strike on the first 1871s is a little weak, particularly on the BP for some reason. There's definitely some wear on all the type 2 sovs but I thought the 1870 at least would be a solid EF. Still, if those are all aVF-aEF it makes me happy as they are all in a grade I would happily collect a set in and if I can get the rest in similar condition at vf prices I'll be happy :)
I have to apologize as well, I should have posted this in the grading section. If the mods want to move it I understand. Sorry!
Another question: will the 1871 s come back slabbed as large BP or will it come back in a generic 1871 s slab? I know they don't generally differentiate all the types listed in Mcdonald, much less the many minor variations experts in such esoteric pursuits recognise, but the large BP is a fairly major differentiator in the 1871 s and seems to make a fair difference in price. I've never seen one but you could fill a coin museum with the numismatic material I've never seen.