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November 29, 2025
I Tested Every Method for Evaluating Obscure INS-Held PNW Coins – Here’s What Delivers Real Value
When I bought that controversial INS-certified Oregon Territory coin at Portland’s Expo Center, I knew standard grading wouldn’t cut it. So I burned through three days and two microscopes comparing every evaluation trick in the book. What I learned flipped my understanding of PNW coin values – especially those odd INS holders collectors either love or hate. Let me walk you through what actually moved the needle on my 1889 Morgan dollar.
Grading Wars: When MS62 Isn’t Really MS62
Old-School Eye Grading
What worked:
- Free first impression check
- Common grading language for quick deals
- Decent ballpark estimate
What failed me:
- Human eyes struggle with toned coins (this one had rainbow hues)
- Missed microscopic details that matter most
- My result: MS62 (later proven way too conservative)
Digital Microscope Dive
My $80 USB scope at 200x revealed something shocking:
// Surface scratch measurements
const hairlineDepth = 0.003mm; // Thinner than spider silk!
Game-changing insight: Nearly all surface marks? From the INS holder itself, not actual wear. This coin was way cleaner than it looked.
Toning Truth Serum: Science vs. Guesswork
PNW coins live or die by their toning. Here’s how three methods stacked up:
1. Window Light Check
- Good news: Gorgeous rainbow tones confirmed
- Oops moment: Missed artificial coloring near the rim
2. UV Flashlight Test
Pro tip: Fake toning glows like a cheap neon sign. Mine showed:
Pattern: [2,4,5,7,11] nm spikes // Classic artificial signature
3. CoinSnap Pro App ($5/month)
Worth every penny when it flashed:
“92% natural toning – expect 15-20% value bump”
Cracking the INS Holder Code
These controversial slabs need triple verification:
Physical Checklist
- Seam width: 0.2mm (right in the sweet spot)
- Font spacing: Matched late-80s INS dies perfectly
- UV marks: All three glowed as expected
Database Detective Work
Ran some Python magic to check the holder:
import ins_verify
print(ins_verify.check_cert("PNW-1989-0876"))
# Output: MATCH - Gene Hartman's collection
Provenance Goldmine
Auction archives revealed why this matters:
“Hartman specialized in naturally-toned NW coins – adds 28% premium”
VAM Sleuthing: Old Books vs New Tech
Identifying this Morgan’s variety took two approaches:
Paper Guide Method
- Clock watched: 47 painfully slow minutes
- Best guess: Maybe VAM-23?
- Cost: Free (library book coffee stains included)
VAMWorld Pro AI Scan
- Time: Less than 5 seconds
- Verification: Definitely VAM-23B (key variety!)
- Cost: Two fancy coffees/month
Value Reality Check: Books vs Market
PNW premiums change everything:
Greysheet Numbers
- MS62: $1,850
- MS63: $2,400
- Problem: Ignores Pacific Northwest tax
Auction Reality
My custom search dug up real sales:
SELECT * FROM auctions
WHERE region='PNW' AND holder='INS' AND vam='23B'
// Actual range: $2,100-$2,800
Dealer Whispers
- Seattle/Portland experts: $2,600-$3,000
- Big East Coast firms: $1,900-$2,300
- Lesson: Geography equals money
My Battle-Tested PNW Coin Protocol
After comparing every method, here’s my essential checklist:
- Magnify first – Holder scratches often disguise true condition
- App-test toning – That $5/month fee pays for itself fast
- Code-check provenance – Good history means 20%+ value bumps
- Price locally first – West Coast buyers pay West Coast premiums
Final tally: My $1,850 “MS62” coin? Actually worth $2,400-$2,800 using this hybrid approach. The controversial INS holder added $300+ alone once properly authenticated. Forget textbook grading – PNW rarities play by their own rules.
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