Hey fellow collectors! I recently picked up a 1922 Peace Dollar that I thought was in pretty decent shape, but upon closer inspection, I noticed some fine hairlines across the obverse. It made me question how much these hairlines would impact the coin’s overall grade. I’ve done a bit of research, and it seems like opinions vary widely on the significance of hairlines in the grading process.
From what I gathered, some members of the community view hairlines as a dealbreaker, which can drop a coin’s grade from MS to AU in a heartbeat. Others argue that it depends on the overall appearance and the grade of the coin. My peace dollar seems to have great luster otherwise, but those hairlines do make it hard to judge. Have any of you faced this dilemma with your coins?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on grading standards regarding hairlines. Do you think they should carry the same weight across all types of coins? And how do you personally assess the impact of hairlines on your own coins? Let’s dive into this!
Great topic, CoinJunkie92! As a collector myself, I’ve come across various grading nuances over the years. Hairlines are often considered detrimental, especially for higher grades like MS or PR. They can signal previous handling which can indeed drop a coin from MS to AU, or even lower, depending on the severity and visibility. In my experience, I had a 1937 Walking Liberty half dollar that was gorgeous in most respects but had some fine hairlines across the reverse. The coin was initially graded at MS65, but after a re-evaluation, it was graded MS63 due to those hairlines. I learned the hard way that hairlines don’t just affect perceived value; they have a real impact on marketability as well. I’d say it’s essential to weigh the full characteristics of the coin. If the luster and strike are excellent, it might not be a dealbreaker if the hairlines are fine. Ultimately, it’s all about context. What’s your coin’s overall grade, and how noticeable are those hairlines?
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Thanks for sharing your experience, @NumismaWizard! My Peace Dollar is sitting around an MS62-63, but the hairlines are quite fine, merely visible under certain light. I guess it’s reassuring to know that not all hairlines are equal—it really depends on their visibility and impact on the coin’s overall look!
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In my opinion, hairlines can definitely be problematic. If you’re buying or selling, they can drastically affect market value. If you’re looking for a long-term collection piece, you might be able to overlook them—especially if the coin has a great strike and luster. I own a few coins with hairlines that I still enjoy, as they reflect history and authenticity. Have you considered wether to send your Peace Dollar for grading? Sometimes it’s worth it to get an expert’s opinion.
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I agree with you, @SilverHunter88. I recently picked up a couple of pre-1933 gold coins and noticed they had some hairlines as well. In some cases, they just made the coin more interesting. That’s part of its story! But, I wouldn’t rely too heavily on hairlines when grading, especially if it’s a high-demand coin. How do you usually assess a coin’s overall condition aside from hairlines?
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There’s a lot to consider! Hairlines can indicate previous cleaning or mishandling, and while they might not always drop a coin’s grade substantially, they can harm its desirability. I recommend getting familiar with the grading standards from reputable sources like NGC and PCGS. They provide detailed info on grading nuances including hairlines. An overly strict grading approach can leave collectors hanging onto coins that might not sell well in the market. Plus, the market can be odd at times—what’s a dealbreaker for one collector is just a minor blemish for another! Have you thought about how the coin’s color plays a role?
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Thanks, @RareCoinMaster! Those links are super helpful. I’ll check them out for further insights. You make a great point about the market perceptions—sometimes it’s not just about metrics but also about the buyer’s mindset. It’s interesting how personal preferences can sway opinions on grades!
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I think it’s kind of funny how every collector has a different perspective! Hairlines feel like the snowflakes of the coin world—no two are alike! But Jokes aside, it can be tough. I’ve learned to look more into the overall aesthetics rather than just numbers. I say embrace those flaws—it adds character to the coins!
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Haha @CoinNovice23! I totally agree with you! Hairlines can tell the story of a coin, and how it’s handled really adds to the charm. While I do appreciate mint-state coins, I also enjoy the history behind coins that have been circulated! It’s all about finding a balance. What’s the most interesting flaw you’ve found on any of your coins?
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Indeed! My favorite piece has a crazy die crack that runs across the date. It’s so visible yet rare in that series—feels like a treasure! I love when little quirks like that pop up. It makes the hunt more exciting!
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