Hey everyone! I recently submitted a batch of coins through a group submission, and one of them came back graded much lower than I anticipated. It was a beautiful 1915-S Buffalo nickel that I had high hopes for, thinking it might score an MS-63 at least. After cleaning and carefully examining it multiple times, I felt pretty confident. But the grading service gave it an MS-60, which really took me by surprise!
I’ve done some research on grading discrepancies, particularly concerning older coins like this one, and it seems that factors like luster and strike can heavily influence the final grade. Now I’m left wondering how to approach this situation. Should I reach out to the grading service to discuss the specifics of their assessment? I don’t want to come off as a disgruntled collector, but I’m genuinely curious about how they arrived at their decision.
I’d love to hear from those who’ve been in similar situations. What’s your take on handling lower-than-expected grades? Have you had success appealing a decision, or do you just accept the grade and move on? Looking forward to your insights!
Hey @CoinCollector92, I totally understand your frustration! I had a similar experience with a 1943 Lincoln cent that I thought would score at least an MS-65, but it came back MS-62. Here’s what I did when I faced a lower grade than expected:
- Re-evaluate the coin: Before reaching out, I took a detailed look at the coin under proper lighting and magnification.
- Contact the grading service: I did reach out to them, but I framed my questions more as inquiries rather than complaints. I asked for specific reasons for the grade.
- Learn from it: I absorbed the feedback they provided, which helped me with future submissions.
Ultimately, approaching it as a learning experience rather than a grievance really helped. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it happens! Keep us posted on what you decide to do!
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Hi @CoinCollector92, I’ve been in your shoes! It can be really disheartening to receive a lower grade. I typically advise looking closely at the coin for any imperfections that might have been overlooked during your evaluation. Sometimes, the grading service can spot things that we miss. As for reaching out, always a good idea! Just keep it polite and express your eagerness to understand how they came to that conclusion. You might also want to check out PCGS for their grading standards. It helped me clarify a lot! Good luck!
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Thanks, @NumismaticNerd! Your process makes a lot of sense. I guess it’s easy to overlook small details on a coin, especially one I’ve worked so hard on. I appreciate the advice about framing my questions. I’ll definitely try to remain calm and inquisitive if I decide to reach out. Maybe it will even help me with my other coins!
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Hey @BuffaloBill98, I think it’s great that you suggest checking NGC for grading standards too. Multiple sources can give a broader perspective! And @CoinCollector92, it’s perfectly normal to feel disappointed, but remember: grading can be subjective! Each grader has their personal touch. Keep your chin up!
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I feel for you, @CoinCollector92. Sometimes it’s all about luster! Have you checked for wear or marks that could have influenced the grading? I once submitted a gorgeous 1909-S V.D.B. that I thought was a sure MS-65, but it ended up at MS-61. The harsh lighting during my inspection made me miss some key details. Lesson learned!
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Thanks for sharing your experience, @OldCoinHunter! I hadn’t considered the lighting aspect. I’ll definitely pay closer attention to that next time I evaluate my coins. It’s also reassuring to hear that others face similar disappointments. We can all learn from our experiences in this hobby!
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It happens to the best of us, @CoinCollector92. Just think of it this way: it’s an MS-60 today, but who knows? Maybe in five years it’ll be worth more as a ‘rare’ MS-60! 
Just add it to your collection and remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder (especially in our hobby).
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@CoinCollector92, it might also help to join a local club or forum. Many experienced collectors have faced the same issues, and they might have more stories or advice to help you out. It’s a great way to network and learn! Plus, they might even help you spot your coins’ true potential.
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And don’t forget, @CoinCollector92, it’s not just about the grade! Sometimes the story behind the coin is what makes it valuable. Maybe it once belonged to someone famous or was a gift from a family member? Those little anecdotes can give so much more meaning than just a number!
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Great thread, everyone! @CoinCollector92, have you thought about the resubmission option? Sometimes coins can grade better on a second try, especially if you can get a second opinion from a different service. Just a thought!
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You all are amazing! I’m really grateful for these insights. Resubmitting hadn’t crossed my mind, @CoinGuru88. I’ll look into that option. Everyone has made this discussion really enlightening! I feel more at ease about my situation. Thanks again!
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