1921 Peace dollar

[JackBnimble01]

Anyone think this has a shot at MS60
Or higher?
Pics don’t show the actual luster
Looks way better in hand then these pics
Show.

[RogerB]

No. It's circulated. A nice AU....But I'm a very tough grader.

[JackBnimble01]

Hi Roger…

What do you grade this coin?

[DHalladay]

No. It's circulated. A nice AU....But I'm a very tough grader.

AU58 was my opinion when I saw it.

[messydesk]

First coin looks like an AU58 that also has a reasonably good strike (much hair detail visible, separation between wing and leg, leg feathers well-defined). The second coin is horribly struck, but is probably technically uncirculated. No better than 62 because of the strike, even though there aren't nasty marks on it.

[RogerB]

Here, again, we see the ambiguities that arise from mixing undefined opinion with surface condition that can be empirically measured.

The present surface condition, as compared to when the piece was struck, can be objectively measured. This is the only valid criteria for empirical grading.

Likewise, gross and fine detail can be compared to the ideal or best-detailed design, but this is NOT part of the coin's condition or grade.

Once we try to add opinions such as luster, eye appeal, etc. we have ruined our ability to make clear decisions.

[RogerB]

Hi Roger…
What do you grade this coin?

The condition might be AU or Unc depending on wear that is difficult to show in a photo. It's numerical "grade" depends entirely on how the surfaces compare to the same coin without scrapes, nicks or other marks. The photos suggest Unc-62 or 63 maximum.

1921 dol.jpg (200.08 KiB) Viewed 2152 times

Central detail is poor when compared to the original design cast or to high-quality 1921s, but that affects only viewer opinion and not the objective state of preservation.

As I noted elsewhere, we evaluate coins for purchase or sale by both objective and subjective criteria, But we also mix the two into a personal bias which merely confuses everyone -- well, everyone except the individual.

[Brabjohn]

I think the ungraded coin has a shot at UNC. Hard to tell for me with the photos if there is wear on the high points. It is nicely struck but wear is wear.
2nd graded coin to me looks UNC although very poorly struck. I’m in the 62 camp.

[Longstrider]

I find the discussion and back and forth on these coins very interesting. Thanks.

[RogerB]

I find the discussion and back and forth on these coins very interesting. Thanks.

The "up and down" version is interesting, too.

[JackBnimble01]

Thanks to everyone that participated
Your grading knowledge is awesome!