We will run occasional grading checks on Proxibid auctions so you can see how we bid based on condition. These coins are from Tiffy’s Auction timed auction ending Feb. 21. We grade on PCGS standards as found on Photograde, admittedly more conservative than grading of most auctioneers but still the standard in numismatics. Click pictures below to expand.
We call a coin:
UNCIRCULATED if will grade at NGC or PCGS at the MS60-62 level. We agree with this grade.
ALMOST UNCIRCULATED PLUS if will grade at NGC or PCGS at the AU58 level. We agree with this grade.
EXTRA FINE if it would grade at the XF45 level at PCGS. This is a conservative grade. We call it almost uncirculated.
VERY FINE if it would grade VF20-35. We agree with this grade but see staining or perhaps PVC poisoning.
FINE if it would grade F12-15. We agree and call it F12, but also see evidence of cleaning not mentioned in the description.
GOOD if it would grade 4-6. Once again, we agree with the grade but see evidence of cleaning.
ABOUT GOOD if the coin would grade AG3 at PCGS. We think this coin is near basal state. Best grade we can give it is Fair 2.
VALUE ADDED if the auctioneer notes any alteration or doctoring with a coin. Tiffy’s does that with this restored date buffalo nickel.
VALUE ADDED if the auctioneer identifies replicas and counterfeits. Tiffy’s does that here.
Generally, in our subjective but nonetheless expert opinion, we feel Tiffy’s Auction generally grades accurately but fails to note cleaning, staining and PVC damage, at least on the few coins we examined in this auction. That said, however, the value added of identifying replicas and restored dates, etc., elevates the caliber of numismatic description here.
As noted, grading is in part subjective, and is difficult to do via online photographs. Our designations are based on how we bid and why. Thus, the overall grade on Tiffy’s Auction grading based on our criteria: B-.
Proxiblog is an independent entity with no connection to the auction portal Proxibid. Our intent is to uphold basic numismatic standards as established by the American Numismatic Association and the National Auctioneer Association and to ensure a pleasurable bidding experience not only on Proxibid but also on similar portals such as iCollector and AuctionZip.
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