I always find these kinds of stories interesting as there is usually not a lot of them that the history is able to be discerned. They are also the best argument against a 100 point scale, IMHO. The TPG (or grading in general) precision is just not up to task for it.

1910-D Barber Dime

March 2004 - NGC MS66 - $2300

A number of attempts to upgrade it eventually resulting in an NGC MS66*

January 2006 - PCGS 67 - $16,100


PCGS Thread by the former owner...
http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.c...threadid=470976

Heritage auction...
http://coins.heritagegalleries.com/common/..._No=1026&src=pr

I freely admit I can't tell a MS66 from an MS67. I think one is better off buying a MS64 with good eye appeal for $100 than a MS65 for $500.Stuff like this gives TPG a black eye.

Saw that thread over on PCGS..............

All I can say is it must be nice to be connected!!!!

Crazy stuff. A perfect example of the subjectivity of grades. With that spread you get a lot of chances at an upgrade. Same with toned copper that people lighten trying for that RD.

The Peter Principle as applied to coin grading.

A coin is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. One point grade differences, slabbing, and $10,000 plus differences for a point are what led me to other collecting interests. I read the Heritage description, a couple of nicks on the cheek hidden by toning.....? If it looks that good and someone is willing to pay that much for it, better them than me. MS-67 really doesn't have that much to do with it. If someone paid $10,000 for the 67 versus 66, I might think they would buy a common 1943 circulated steel cent for $50 or $60. It just doesn't make sense unless you move in the company of people where $10,000 doesn't count as real money.

"Upgrading to an MS67 holder doesn't change the coin. Doesn't anyone feel a little for the poor fool who gets stuck with this $3-4000 coin.

When the market turns this is one of those that should find new lowground.

What a great hobby, smoke, mirrors, and some plastic and it actually has the ability to "create" money. "

I agree with what they said.

And that is exactly why TPG's are useless except for authentication