Grading the Spring PNNA Roll Call: Why Location Matters for Coin Value

Grading the Spring PNNA Roll Call: Why Location Matters for Coin Value

Condition is everything. Here’s how to examine the high points and fields to determine the true grade of this piece.

Historical Significance of the PNNA Move

The Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association’s decision to relocate their annual spring show from Seattle to Portland represents more than just a change of venue—it’s a fascinating case study in how external factors can impact the numismatic marketplace. The catalyst? Washington State’s implementation of sales tax on coins and bullion, which created an untenable situation for dealers and collectors alike.

This move mirrors historical precedents where economic policies have forced collectors and dealers to adapt their strategies. Just as the Pittman Act of 1918 affected silver dollar production, modern tax policies can dramatically alter the landscape of coin shows and, consequently, the availability and pricing of certain specimens.

Identifying Key Markers: The High Points and Fields

When examining coins from this era and region, professional graders focus on several critical areas that determine value. For Washington and Oregon statehood commemorative issues, Liberty’s profile, the torch elements, and the state outlines serve as the primary high points where wear first becomes evident.

The fields—those flat surfaces between design elements—tell their own story. Original mint luster should be unbroken, with no hairlines or contact marks. On a properly struck specimen, the edge reeding should be full and even, with no signs of cabinet friction or environmental damage.

Luster Quality Assessment

Original mint luster appears as a cartwheel effect when the coin is rotated under a single light source. This cartwheel should be unbroken across the entire surface. Any breaks in the luster pattern, particularly in the fields, indicate cleaning or improper storage.

Strike Quality Evaluation

The strike quality on modern commemoratives from this region typically shows full detail in the central devices. However, weakness can occur at the peripheries, particularly on the lower left quadrant of Washington issues and the upper right of Oregon issues. A fully struck specimen will show complete definition in all design elements, including the smallest stars and lettering.

PCGS/NGC Standards for Regional Issues

Professional grading services apply specific criteria when evaluating coins from the Pacific Northwest region. For MS-65 and higher grades, both PCGS and NGC require:

• Full original mint luster with no breaks
• Strike quality of 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale
• No more than 2-3 contact marks, none in prime focal areas
• Exceptional eye appeal with no toning spots or discoloration

The difference between an MS-65 and MS-66 can often come down to the subtlety of luster quality and the precise location of any contact marks. A mark on Liberty’s cheek versus one hidden in the field can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in value.

Eye Appeal: The X-Factor in Grading

Beyond the technical aspects, eye appeal plays a crucial role in determining a coin’s grade and ultimate value. A coin with excellent technical merit but poor aesthetic qualities will struggle to achieve top grades. Conversely, a technically imperfect coin with outstanding eye appeal may be awarded a higher grade than its technical merits alone would suggest.

For coins from the PNNA region, collectors particularly value:

• Even, natural toning that enhances rather than obscures details
• Absence of carbon spots or verdigris
• Symmetrical luster that draws the eye across the entire surface
• Clean, well-defined edges with full reeding

Value Guide: The $10 to $1,000 Difference

The grading breakdown for coins from this region follows a predictable pattern, but the difference between grades can be dramatic:

MS-60 to MS-63: $10-50 range – Entry-level specimens with noticeable marks and reduced luster quality. These coins show wear patterns consistent with their grade but lack the eye appeal of higher-grade examples.

MS-64: $100-250 range – Solid specimens with good luster and minimal marks. The difference between MS-63 and MS-64 often comes down to the location and visibility of contact marks.

MS-65: $500-1,000 range – Premium specimens with excellent luster, strike, and eye appeal. These coins show only under magnification marks that don’t detract from the overall appearance.

MS-66 and above: $1,000+ range – Exceptional specimens that combine technical perfection with outstanding eye appeal. These are the coins that set records at auction and become the centerpieces of advanced collections.

Wear Patterns Specific to Regional Issues

Coins from the Pacific Northwest shows often exhibit unique wear patterns due to the climate and storage conditions. The high humidity can lead to subtle toning patterns that, while not technically damage, can affect a coin’s grade if they obscure details or create uneven surfaces.

Additionally, the frequent handling at shows means that even carefully stored coins may develop faint hairlines. Professional graders must distinguish between these show-related marks and more serious damage that would preclude a coin from achieving gem status.

Authentication Considerations

When evaluating coins from this region, authentication becomes paramount. The popularity of these issues has led to increased counterfeiting attempts, particularly on key dates and high-grade specimens. Look for:

• Proper weight and dimensions
• Correct edge reeding and collar marks
• Authentic mint luster characteristics
• Consistent strike quality across the entire surface

Conclusion: The Future of PNNA Coin Values

The relocation of the PNNA show to Portland may ultimately prove beneficial for collectors. The new venue offers better lighting, more space, and a more accessible location for serious collectors. This improved environment for examination and trading could lead to better-preserved specimens entering the market.

As the show settles into its new location, we can expect to see a maturation of the market for these regional issues. Coins that were once considered merely local curiosities may achieve broader recognition and higher values as they become better understood by the wider collecting community.

For the serious collector, understanding the nuances of grading these regional issues—from the technical aspects of wear patterns and luster quality to the more subjective elements of eye appeal—remains the key to building a collection that will appreciate in both historical significance and monetary value over time.

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