Grading Resubmisson Question: The Difference Between $10 and $1,000

Historical Significance

For collectors, understanding a coin’s true grade is paramount. By carefully examining high points and fields, you can unlock the true story behind your piece and appreciate its place in numismatic history.

The Grading Journey

When submitting a coin for variety attribution, collectors embark on a meticulous process that requires navigating the nuanced standards of multiple grading services. From initial certification to final attribution, each step demands attention to detail and a deep understanding of grading criteria.

Wear Patterns Analysis

The first critical aspect in determining a coin’s grade is examining wear patterns. Professional graders focus on specific high points that typically show the earliest signs of circulation wear. For quarters, these areas include the hair details on portraits, the eagle’s breast feathers, and any raised design elements.

When evaluating wear patterns, graders use a systematic approach:

• Examine the obverse high points first
• Check reverse design elements for friction
• Assess edge wear and rim condition
• Document any contact marks or bag marks

Luster Quality Assessment

Luster quality significantly impacts a coin’s grade and market value. Original mint luster should be vibrant and unbroken, with cartwheel effects visible when the coin is tilted under proper lighting. Graders evaluate luster based on several factors:

“The presence of original mint luster can mean the difference between a Choice AU and a Mint State grade,” notes a professional grader with 20 years of experience.

Key luster indicators include:

• Original surface texture
• Absence of cleaning or artificial enhancement
• Consistency across the coin’s surface
• Interaction with light at various angles

Strike Quality Evaluation

Strike quality affects both the technical grade and the coin’s eye appeal. Professional graders assess strike characteristics by examining:

1. Centering of the design elements
2. Clarity of fine details
3. Fullness of design features
4. Presence of any striking weakness

Eye Appeal Considerations

Eye appeal often determines the difference between grades within the same technical category. Professional graders consider:

• Overall visual impact
• Color and toning patterns
• Surface preservation
• Balance of design elements

PCGS/NGC Standards

Understanding the grading standards of major services is crucial for collectors. Both PCGS and NGC use similar but not identical grading criteria. When submitting for variety attribution:

1. The original certification number typically remains the same
2. Variety attribution does not affect the numerical grade
3. Proper documentation is essential
4. High-quality images support the attribution request

The CAC Connection

The Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) plays a vital role in the grading ecosystem. When a coin receives variety attribution from PCGS or NGC, it must be resubmitted to CAC for restickering. Important considerations include:

• Maintaining the same certification number when possible
• Providing clear documentation of the attribution
• Understanding the risk of CAC declining resticker if damage occurs
• Keeping detailed records of the submission process

Risk Management

Professional graders emphasize the importance of risk management when submitting coins for variety attribution. Key risks include:

1. Potential damage during the resubmission process
2. CAC declining to resticker if condition changes
3. Loss of certification if new numbers are assigned
4. Documentation challenges

Best Practices for Collectors

Based on professional grading experience, collectors should follow these best practices:

1. Document the coin’s current condition thoroughly
2. Take high-quality images before submission
3. Keep detailed records of all submissions
4. Understand the specific requirements of each service
5. Maintain clear communication with grading services

Value Implications

The addition of variety attribution can significantly impact a coin’s value. Professional graders note that:

• Properly attributed varieties often command premiums
• Market demand affects the value differential
• Documentation quality influences buyer confidence
• Condition remains paramount regardless of variety

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the variety attribution process requires understanding both technical grading standards and service-specific requirements. Professional graders emphasize that while the process can be complex, proper documentation and careful handling can lead to successful outcomes. The key is maintaining clear communication with all parties involved and understanding the potential risks and rewards of the process.

Remember that the journey from initial certification to variety attribution is not just about adding a label – it’s about preserving and documenting the coin’s historical significance while maintaining its condition and value. Professional grading expertise, combined with careful attention to detail, can make this process successful for collectors at all levels.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Authentication Guide: Spotting Counterfeit Coins Through Key Diagnostics – Introduction In today’s market, where counterfeits are increasingly sophisticated, knowing the specific diagnostic…
• The Hidden Value in Your Coins: Spotting Rare Errors That Could Be Worth Thousands – Introduction: The Devil’s in the Details Most people overlook the tiny details that can transform a common item in…
• The Hidden History Behind Resubmisson Question: A Collector’s Guide to Variety Attribution – Every Relic Tells a Story Every relic tells a story. To understand this item, we have to look at the era in which it was…