Grading the Cherrypickers Guide: The Difference Between $10 and $1,000

The Grading Challenge

Condition is everything. Here is how to look at the high points and fields to determine the true grade of this piece.

Understanding Wear Patterns

When examining a coin for variety attribution, the first step is to analyze the wear patterns across the surfaces. The high points of the design will show the first signs of circulation, and these areas become critical in determining the coin’s grade. For doubled die varieties, the doubling itself may show differential wear—the secondary image often wears away faster than the primary image, especially on the high points.

Key areas to examine include:

• The obverse portrait’s cheek and hair details
• The reverse design elements, particularly around lettering and central devices
• The rim area, which should remain sharp and well-defined

Luster and Surface Quality

Luster preservation is crucial for establishing a coin’s grade. Original mint luster should be present across the fields, with cartwheel effects visible under proper lighting. For varieties, the luster can help distinguish between mint-made doubling and post-mint damage or wear.

When grading varieties, pay special attention to:

• Fullness of luster in protected areas
• Absence of hairlines or cleaning marks
• Natural toning versus artificial coloration

Strike Quality Assessment

Strike quality can significantly impact both the grade and the visibility of variety characteristics. A well-struck coin will show full detail in all design elements, making variety features more apparent and easier to attribute.

Strike characteristics to evaluate:

• Centering and roundness of the strike
• Fullness of detail in the design elements
• Presence of any strike doubling versus true doubled die doubling

PCGS/NGC Standards Application

When grading varieties, it’s essential to apply the same rigorous standards used by major grading services. The Cherrypickers Guide varieties should meet all standard grading criteria, with the variety attribution being an additional factor rather than a grade modifier.

Key grading standards to consider:

• MS-60: No trace of wear, but may show contact marks and bag marks
• MS-65: Above average strike with minimal marks
• MS-67: Nearly flawless with exceptional eye appeal

Eye Appeal Factors

Eye appeal can make the difference between a $10 coin and a $1,000 coin. For varieties, this becomes even more critical as collectors are often willing to pay premiums for exceptional examples.

Eye appeal components:

• Overall visual impact
• Color and toning quality
• Strike strength and detail
• Surface preservation

“The important thing about the Cherrypickers Guide is what gets in and what stays out. PCGS is listing Cherrypickers varieties on their holders. There are many coins deserving of inclusion and some that are not.”

Market Value Considerations

Understanding the market value of varieties requires knowledge of recent sales and current collector demand. The forum discussion highlights the importance of realistic pricing in variety guides.

Factors affecting variety values:

• Population reports from grading services
• Recent auction results
• Collector demand and market trends
• Historical significance of the variety

Authentication Tips

When examining potential varieties, authentication is crucial. Look for:

• Consistent doubling across the entire design
• Absence of machine doubling characteristics
• Proper die wear patterns consistent with the variety
• Verification through multiple reference sources

Conclusion

The Cherrypickers Guide remains an essential tool for variety collectors, but understanding the grading nuances is crucial for making informed purchases and accurate attributions. Whether examining a potential 1969-S doubled die or a modern state quarter error, applying these grading principles will help collectors make better decisions and potentially discover valuable varieties.

Remember that condition is paramount—a well-preserved example of a common variety will always be more valuable than a poorly preserved example of a rare variety. The key is finding that perfect combination of rarity, grade, and eye appeal that makes a variety truly special.

Related Resources

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