Your First Step into Coin Collecting: Understanding the 1838 Seated Dime CAC-P01
September 24, 2025Uncovering the Insider Secrets of the 1838 Seated Dime CAC-P01: What Graders Won’t Tell You
September 24, 2025I Analyzed Every Grading Approach for the 1838 Seated Dime CAC-P01
As a coin collector, I recently picked up an 1838 Seated Dime with a CAC-P01 grade. But honestly, the grade felt off. So I put every grading method to the test—from my own eyes to professional regrading—to see what really works for this tricky coin. Here’s my side-by-side look at the methods, results, and what I’d recommend.
Visual Inspection: Your First Clue
Obverse Analysis
I started with the front of the coin. Even though ‘P01’ usually means it’s barely recognizable, here’s what stood out to me:
- The date 1838 is clearly there
- You can still make out Liberty’s outline
- There’s wear, but it’s not totally smooth
That made me wonder—maybe FR02 or AG03 would fit better.
Reverse Examination
The back told another story:
- It’s almost slick, with very little detail
- Only a faint wreath outline shows in good light
- No lettering at all
Now I saw why some graders went with P01.
Comparing Grading Methods
CAC vs. PCGS Standards
I lined up CAC’s rules next to PCGS’s guidelines:
- CAC P01: Puts a lot of weight on the reverse
- PCGS FR02: Needs more front detail than this coin has
- NGC AG03: Could match better since the date is visible
Professional Regrading Test
I sent the coin out for another opinion:
- PCGS came back with AG03
- NGC agreed with AG03 too
- So not everyone saw it as P01
That showed me grading isn’t always consistent.
What I Learned
When P01 Fits
- If the reverse is totally smooth
- When the front is just a blur
- For coins with damage or wear
When to Go Higher
- Date is clear (think AG03)
- Some lettering shows (maybe FR02)
- You can spot features on either side
Tips for Collectors
- Look closely at both sides of the coin
- Check different grading standards
- Get a second opinion on pricey coins
- Note how companies grade differently
My Final Take
After all that, I think CAC’s P01 grade makes sense because the reverse is so worn. But the clear date and obverse details point toward AG03. Here’s the big picture: grading varies, so smart collectors should:
- Learn each grader’s preferences
- Do their own careful look
- Seek extra views on tough calls
For my 1838 Seated Dime, I’m keeping it in the CAC holder—but I know it might grade differently somewhere else. It’s a great reminder why comparing grades matters so much in coin collecting.
Related Resources
You might also find these related articles helpful:
- Your First Step into Coin Collecting: Understanding the 1838 Seated Dime CAC-P01 – If you’re just starting out in coin collecting, welcome! This guide is your friendly introduction to the 1838 Seat…
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