Eye appeal is always my first consideration
I am a big fan of 3rd Party grading but it can make us (including me) lazy at times. We are told constantly buy the coin, not the holder. It sounds good but we don't always listen.
I really like perusing the better online auction sites because typically the main picture is viewed without the grade being obvious. If a coin isn't appealing, I keep on scrolling.
The 2 coins below were both in the Heritage NY sale in January. It's a design I have been interested in but hadn't acquired yet. It's unusual for me to find 2 coins of the same variety in the same auction for me to compare side by side. Both of these were designated KM# A907. The first coin is dated 1741. The following one is dated 1742. They were consecutive lots in the auction. Below are the lot descriptions and pictures.
Coin #1
Saxony. Friedrich August II "Vicariat" 1/2 Taler 1741 MS63+ PCGS, KM-A907. Markedly sharp in the peripheral features with the slightest softness atop the highest points of the central devices, this charming 1/2 taler clearly owes its plus classification to radiant gold and cobalt tones as well as comparatively clean surfaces.
Coin #2
Saxony. Friedrich August II "Vicariat" 1/2 Taler 1742 MS64 NGC, Dresden mint, KM-A907. Vicariat issue, two year type. D G FRID AUG REX POL DUX SAX ARCHIMARESCHALL & ELECT Friedrich August II with sword in hand, on rearing horse right / IN PROVINCIIS IUR SAXON PROVISOR ET VICARIUS Empty throne on dias with symbols of office. Crisp legends and edge reeding, beautiful olive-gray toning with gold and red shades accenting, and very clean unmarked fields with a bit of weakness in center of coin strike.
It's irrelevant but did 2 different people write the lot descriptions?
Anyway, both coins sold for the exact same price. Coin #1 is now mine and I never seriously considered bidding on coin #2. Both coins have the same catalog value but it looks like the 1741 shows up in auctions more often which may be part of the reason the prices ended up the same. I myself only wanted an example of the type. It's possible somebody out there really "needed" a 1742.
The statement "a bit of weakness in center of coin strike" is a bit inaccurate in my opinion.
I have to mention that, in my mind, the grade on both would make one assume that neither piece was in circulation. Coin #1 does appear to have some rub on the high points. Maybe the grader considered it cabinet friction. I'm not good enough to distinguish between the two.
I don't agree or disagree with the designated grades. I have sent enough similar material in that I think I have a good feel for what the graders are looking for. This is a good example of why the stated grade should only be one factor to consider when making a purchase. Use your head and make your own decision when making a purchase.
Comments
Coin Collecting With Tyler
Level 4
Thank you for your information!
coinsbygary
Level 5
You have a good eye for coins with original surfaces and eye appeal!
user_1727
Level 4
Nice coin and good information
Long Beard
Level 5
Wow! Nice addition for sure. As to the subject content, well put when buying third party graded. Myself, I don't mind toned coins as I feel it only enhances the appeal until it begins concealing or at times hiding the device features. While both are very nice surviving specimens I would have chosen the same based on this. I've also passed on CAC approved coins that did not meet my standards.
Golfer
Level 5
Very interesting post. I like your coin much better. If your looking for a type example, might as well purchase a nice looking example. Ive seem some ugly looking coins for sale in MS grades. Eye appeal is very important. Sometimes i wonder how a coin can grade MS65 and look so ugly? At some point isn't the toning or whatever is on the coin considered damage? Some coins look crusty and still have a clean high grade. I need to learn more on grading toned, crusty, ugly coins. Thanks for the post and sharing your coin.
"SUN"
Level 5
I agree, the coin has to look right, or I won't buy it.
Longstrider
Level 6
I too enjoy the online auction. Stacks is on right now. Nothing I want or could afford but fun to watch. You definitely bid on the correct coin. There was a great article in The E-Sylum yesterday about coin photography. It is a must read for buyers of on line auction buyers. here is a link to the total article. great blog. Well done! https://raregoldcoins.com/blog/market-blog/a-photo-is-worth-1000-words-except-when-its-not-enough
Mike
Level 7
Always nice pickups. And the research. I can't get enough. It took me 2 to three months to get the. 24 tokens. I have every token cert. From the auction house. They send them back to me. Now.they have a group of graders I'm Not sending mine till I speak with the token group. Make sure there working. don't want someone grading tokens were they can't find the place or date. One week return And a break in the charge. You taken a while to buy those two . I want the group that grades them . You should also. Great as usual . I always enjoy your Thlers. There great coins thank them. You must have a great collection of them. Thank my friend Stay Healthy
Mokie
Level 6
Your coin definitely has better eye appeal. Interesting both of them were hammered for the same price. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and recent auction experience.