I Analyzed Every Grading Approach for the 1838 Seated Dime CAC-P01 – Here’s the Verdict

I 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:

1. PCGS came back with AG03
2. NGC agreed with AG03 too
3. 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

1. Look closely at both sides of the coin
2. Check different grading standards
3. Get a second opinion on pricey coins
4. 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…
• Unlocking the Secrets of the 1838 Seated Dime CAC- P01: An Expert Analysis That Rewrites Numismatic Assumptions – Let me tell you something fascinating about the 1838 Seated Dime CAC- P01 that most collectors overlook. This isn’…
• How I Cracked the Code on Grading My 1838 Seated Dime CAC-P01: A Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide – I was stumped by this exact situation myself and put in hours to crack it. Here’s the full solution that finally worked …