Grading the Seated H10c: I Tested Every Method to Find the Most Accurate Approach

I Graded the Same Seated H10c 7 Different Ways – What I Discovered Might Surprise You

After grading hundreds of Liberty Seated dimes, I decided to put every major method to the test with one tricky H10c specimen. Let’s talk brass tacks: that coin had me second-guessing myself more than my first eBay purchase. I spent weeks applying seven grading approaches to the same worn dime with a noticeable leg scratch. Here’s exactly what worked – and what cost me money in imaginary auctions.

Grading Showdown: Putting Methods to the Test

1. Old-School Wear Counting

The traditional “wear points only” approach:

• What Works: Clear benchmarks for thigh and breast wear
• Watch Out For: That scratch? Doesn’t exist in this system
• My Reality Check: Called it XF40 while buyers muttered “problem coin”

2. Scratch-Adjusted Grading

Modern method accounting for eye appeal:

• What Works: Finally acknowledges reality – marks matter
• Watch Out For: “Distracting” is in the eye of the beholder
• My Reality Check: VF35 felt harsh, but market agreed (I kept staring at that pesky leg scratch)

3. The Straight Grade Gamble

Testing PCGS versus Details submission:

Cold Hard Truth: Straight grading cost me $55 with 60% rejection odds. That scratch became a $28 “restoration” fee when caught.

My Grading Toolkit Setup

No fancy tricks – just what works:

• 10x loupe under LED lights (no shadows hiding marks)
• Photoboard matching PCGS standards
• UV flashlight – because cleaned coins lie

Three grading sessions proved even lighting changes opinions:

How I Calculated Variance:
VF35(±1) = (Wear × 70%) + (Surface × 30%)

What Your Grading Choice Costs

Let’s Talk Dollars and Cents

For my test coin:

• Raw in Album: $0 cost | Sells for $45
• VF35 Straight Grade: $55 gamble | Pays $110-130
• XF40 Details Label: $83 total | Barely gets $75

When to Grade (And When to Walk Away)

Send It If…

• Two or fewer tiny marks (think pinpricks, not scars)
• Grade jump means ≥$15 profit after fees

Keep It Raw When…

• Major marks shout louder than wear (like our leg scratch star)
• Common dates where top grades don’t add much value (trust me, I learned this the hard way)

The Naked Truth About Grading

After burning the midnight oil with this H10c, here’s what matters: modern grading demands we balance technical wear with visual storytelling. That VF35 call? It stung initially, but the market proved wiser than my pride. Always remember – coins live in cases, but value lives in buyers’ eyes. Give your coin a 24-hour “cooling off” period before submitting. You’ll spot things your tired eyes missed yesterday.

Related Resources

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