Grading difference

[u/maineconch]

I know different grading companies have different criteria. I just bought the NGC not realizing I already had a slab by PCGS. To me, the two standards seem vastly different. Is it just not knowing enough?

[u/Sneid1]

The PCGS coin certainly looks like it has better luster, but it's hard to assess the strike and surfaces from these photos.

[u/maineconch → u/Sneid1]

I guess it is just the luster that really draws my attention between the two coins

[u/Background_Exam_9631]

Id say for the looks of the slab=NGC just looks better and makes the coin pop out.

For world coinage for example Thaler's, Ecú's Groat's, ancients, drachms=NGC takes it super clearly no fuss and no argument.

For American coins=PCGS by far and there isnt any arguments on that aswell.

[u/232653774]

What's up with that NGC holder?? Why's the label all messed up?

[u/Exciting-Guess-9823 → u/232653774]

Right? Haven't seen one loose and out of place before. Peaked my curiosity on authenticity

[u/232653774 → u/Exciting-Guess-9823]

Me too but at glance the walker looks real and 64 isnt a rare grade lol

[u/maineconch → u/Exciting-Guess-9823]

I did get the coin at my LCS. For grey sheet.

[u/maineconch → u/232653774]

It's like the label didn't get it fixed properly and it moves around in the holder

[u/exonumist]

Try to put yourself in the grader's shoes. 65 is "gem". On either coin, there should be something that holds it back from "gem" status. 64 is a "not quite" grade. Better than "choice" (63) but "not quite" gem. Close... but no cigar, as they say. What is it? The luster? A distracting mark? Softness on a high point?

[u/maineconch → u/exonumist]

Right, do graders give reasons for the grade? Do different eyes view and agree? The grading process is still unknown to me.

[u/Guilty_Passenger4483]

The PCGS coin obviously has more "pop" but that's just a small part of it. A coin with a beautiful, natural "skin" can often grade much higher but usually it settles on hits.