You vs PCGS: Grade these 5 1877 IHCs

[KurtS]

I ran across these coins researching auction prices for the 1877. All are graded "problem free" by PCGS.
Based on the obverse pics below, what grade do you think they deserve? Good luck--and have a great Thanksgiving!

1.


2.


3.


4.


5.

[eagames]

I'll start with :

1. AG3
2. G4 (but I think cleaned at some point)
3. VG10 maybe up to F12
4. F15 (but I think cleaned at some point)
5. VF20 maybe VF25 (but I think cleaned and it's pitted from corrosion)

Those are my guesses at their grades.
If my grades are close the only coin I like at those grades are 1 because it looks original and maybe 3 but it's a bit dark. The others should be problem coins or PCGS genies but if they got in holders I'm not shocked. I bet if sent in today several would not grade.

Are my grades way off????

[KurtS]

Ed,
I suspect a few of these have been cleaned--especially #2. You're a tough grader, and you will be surprised by what PCGS slabbed these at. I'll post the slabs later...

Photos don't tell everything, but based on what I see….
1. AG03 (I don't see distinct rims)
2. VG8 (signs of corrosion from the feathers through OF AMERICA )
3. F15+ (poss. VF20 if the lower headband is distinct)
4. VF35 (ribbon looks barely connected to hair)
5. EF40 (ribbon distinct, but diamonds are not complete)
(I've based my grades on Rick Snow's grading guide)

[daviscfad]

I have seen what they were slabbed at and i am a bit surprised on some of the grading

[Dick]

From where I sit, I would go:
AG
G4
G5
VF30
F20- corrosion. W/o corrosion, could go AU50

[KurtS]

Wow...tough grading! I'll post the slabs later.

[Dick]

I get the impression I failed this class, and the grades aren't even posted yet!
One thing I enjoy: Taking a test. I never "cram" for am exam, because I don't believe it gives a true evaluation of what one knows, right now, not what they can stuff the head with, and afrer the exam is over they are back where they were. If the test was passed, Good! If not, they find that they didn't know as much as they thought, and usuakllly find an area where they need to do a little studying. I'll never pass up an opportunity to take a test.

[smed]

3
6
12
30
40

Those aren't what I would grade them, that's what I think PCGS graded them.

[KurtS]

PCGS was even more optimistic. Here are the PCGS grades on the slabs taken off Heritage
Are we better IHC graders than PCGS?

1.


2.


3.


4.


5.

[eagames]

I expected we were tougher.
We all net grade based on problems, in reality they did not.

Also note that the ones with coin # and series # are older slabs. It seems grading has become tougher since then.

That 53 must look better in hand, the close up sure looks like pitting or something. I guess they did not think so LOL

I have an old slab ANACS AG3, looks better than that G6!

[Dick]

The first three, judging by the same degree of wear on coins I have in hane do not compare. The last tywo look lik a copuple i woiuld like to own, but the "price is NOT righr"!
I still think the last one should be close to the grade given by PCVGS,, Yhe other I think is a little low. Just my opinion.

[coppercoins]

My reply before seeing the actual grades posted:

1. G04
2. F12
3. VF20
4. EF40
5. EF45

Not too bad.

[Dick]

I don't see any of us going to work for PCGS, right away!

[GarryN]

Sorry I missed the quiz But a G6 on the first is a surprise. I would have guessed AG3. But I would take that example gladly AG3 or G6.

[KurtS]

Yep, G6 seems a bit high to me too. I think it could go AG3/G4 at best. I ran these by other collectors, and their grades were a bit harsher than mine It's probably a case of "market grading" a key date.