GTG Sunday Edition: My Coin Grading Adventure with an Unexpected Twist
June 18, 2025My Insights on This MS64 1883S Looks Fake AF to Me (eBay, of Course)
June 18, 2025
I’ve always had a soft spot for AU-58 coins – that sweet spot where a coin shows just enough life to feel real, without losing its spark. My latest pickup, a 1964-D cent graded AU-58 RB by NGC, only set me back $7. That little coin got me thinking hard about why this grade feels so special.
Why AU-58 Grabs My Attention
AU-58 means “About Uncirculated” – coins with barely-there wear that just miss mint state. But here’s the kicker: grading feels like an art form, especially with modern coins like that ’64 cent. Who slabs such a common date? Yet there it was, proving even ordinary cents can show red or red-brown details in this grade. That’s what keeps me hooked.
Smart Finds in AU-58
Over the years, AU-58 has been my secret weapon for value. Back in the day, you’d often find coins with MS-64 looks at half the price – gorgeous pieces that didn’t empty your wallet. These days? The game’s tougher. Too many sharp AU-58s get cracked and resubmitted for higher grades now. But bargains still pop up! I recently landed a stunner for $25 shipped – it’s already found a permanent home in my set.
Reading Coins Beyond the Slab
When I’m checking AU-58 coins, luster tells me more than anything else. I remember a 1902 Morgan dollar whose surface just whispered “AU,” not MS. Grading quirks do puzzle me though – why hammer a weakly struck coin that deserves better, while letting others slide? I’ve seen AU-58 quarters that look identical to low-end MS specimens. That’s why I’ve learned to trust my eyes first, label second.
Why AU-58 Gets Slabbed
I still wonder why folks slab common coins like that ’64 cent in AU-58 when mint state rolls are everywhere. From what I’ve seen, it usually comes down to:
- Beginners overestimating their finds – thinking they’ve got a 68 when it’s really AU-58
- Large submissions where everything gets graded, good or bad
- Registry collectors chasing the “everyman” set in this specific grade
Me? I only grade commons when the numbers work – which isn’t often.
Hunting Tips from My Album
If you’re after AU-58s, chase eye appeal and deals. They shine in older series like early Walkers where mint state coins cost the earth. Check dealers’ junk bins or discount auctions – remember my $7 cent? Never overpay; aim under $10 for placeholders, and don’t ignore raw coins either. What makes AU-58 magic is how it rewards patience – finding that perfect balance of history and beauty that lifts your whole collection.
