We will run occasional grading checks on Proxibid auctions so you can see how we bid based on condition. These coins are from Estate Jewelry and Treasures Nov. 10 auction. 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:
VERY GOOD if will grade at NGC or PCGS at the VF8-10 level. We disagree with this grade and call it About Good 3 (at most Good 4).
VERY GOOD if will grade at NGC or PCGS at the VG8-10 level. We agree with this grade but see traces of PVC damage on the upper third of the coin.
ALMOST UNCIRCULATED if it would grade AU50-55. We agree with the grade here but see harsh cleaning, not acknowledged in the bid description.
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ALMOST UNCIRCULATED if it would grade AU50-55. We agree with this grade, but see scratches on the obverse not noted in the lot description.
ALMOST UNCIRCULATED if it would grade AU50-55. We strongly disagree with this grade, believing it is overgraded by about 25 points. We call it Very Fine 20-25.
BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED if it would grade MS60-63. We disagree with this grade and call it AU55. We also see a scratch on the cheek.
BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED if it would grade MS60-63. We agree with this grade.
Extra Fine if the coin would grade MS40-45. We agree with this grade.
KEY DATE if the coin is among the rarest of the series. In the case of 3-cent silver, any coin from 1863-1872 is rare and expensive. This is not a key date coin. It has a hole, not mentioned in the lot description. Moreover, the date is wrong. There is no 1886 “trime.” The series ends at 1872. Neither is there a copper-nickel three cent piece, as no business strikes were made in 1886. The auctioneer is seeing the 8 and 6 of a silver three-cent coin that is most probably a common 1860.
VALUE ADDED if the auctioneer supplies additional information to help online bidders. He does here, noting the smudge is a reflection and not on the coin.
VALUE ADDED if the auctioneer supplies additional information to help online bidders. He does here, noting the coin is not toned but plated.
Generally, in our subjective but nonetheless expert opinion, we feel Estate Jewelry and Treasures tends to overgrade and miss flaws in condition. With better consignments, and more attention to grading, this house can be a contender, especially as it only charges a 10% buyer’s premium.
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 Estate Jewelry and Treasures based on our criteria: D+.
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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