We will run occasional grading checks on Proxibid auctions so you can see how we bid based on condition. These coins are from Krueger Auction’s March 17 session. 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:
“GEM” if will grade at NGC or PCGS at the MS65 level. We see a staple scratch above the date on Lady Liberty’s neck. We call this Gem Details.
“CHOICE UNCIRCULATED” if will grade at NGC or PCGS at the MS63-64 level. We see too many dings and bagmarks and so call it MS62. Consider this a judgment call.
“CHOICE ALMOST UNCIRCULATED” if it would grade AU58 (essentially a slider–or one that could be mistaken for mint state). We agree with this grade. This is the rare three-legged buffalo nickel. To tell if genuine, always look at the field below the buffalo’s private part. You should see a slight rise in the field. This is an authentic coin.
EXTRA FINE” if it would grade EF40-45. We agree that this is an EF45, but see evidence of pitting. Hence, we won’t bid.
“VERY FINE” if it would grade F20-35. We agree with this grade but see slight evidence of cleaning. We may do a low-ball bid.
“FINE” if it would grade F12-15. We agree with this grade.
“VERY GOOD” if it would grade VG8-10. We call this Good 6 because of wear at 2 o’clock and an old cleaning. Again, another judgment call.
“GOOD” if the coin would grade G4-6. We say G4 on this rather than G6, yet another judgment call on our part.
“VALUE ADDED” if the auctioneer describes a condition apart from grade. Kurt Krueger notes this coin as porosity.
“VALUE ADDED” if the auctioneer explains how to authenticate a coin, as we did above with the three-legged nickel. Kurt Krueger notes a key diagnostic on this valuable coin.
“VALUE ADDED” if the auctioneer describes a condition apart from grade or otherwise relates an anecdote about a lot. Kurt Krueger does both here.
Generally, in our subjective but nonetheless expert opinion, we feel Krueger & Krueger is a good grader whose lots come close to our judgment calls. This stands in contrast to many auction houses on Proxibid. Kurt Krueger also describes coins numismatically and adds value by noting condition apart from the grade. Sometimes an old cleaning may be missed; sometimes we disagree on a grade within a point or so; but that’s a trifle, as grading is subjective to a degree.
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 John Leonard’s grading based on our criteria: A-.
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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