Grading weak strike coins

[CappedBust]

Can a weak strike bust half such as a 1811 50c with barely any rim segments showing but has vf detail still grade VF-20?

[dena]

Thanks for the question Dave.

 

I spoke with one of our graders and here is what I found out...

 

Many early type coins, as is the case with many Bust Half dollars, exhibit an uneven strike. In some cases it is dramatic, with certain areas showing nearly full detail, and other areas showing virtually none. In cases like this, the coin will first be graded based on the areas that are the best struck and then the weak areas and other minor detracting factors (if any) are taken into consideration to arrive at the best grade for the coin. Much of this consideration will be based on how readily available that particular coin may or may not be to obtain with an even strike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EVillageProwler]

Oftentimes with early material is that a die marriage of one date will frequently be well-struck while others of that date will not be.

 

For example, with 1803 dollars, BB-256 is usually very poorly struck while BB-254 comes decently struck.

 

Will NGC graders know to make this distinction?

 

EVP