Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into the world of Cherry Pickers lately, and I’ve noticed that grading these coins can be really tricky. Just the other day, I picked up a 1995 Lincoln penny that a friend swore was a high-grade specimen, but once I got it home, I started second-guessing. The obverse looked Solid MS66 on first glance, but there were some definitely noticeable scratches on the reverse that gave me pause.
I’ve read through various guides and resources, but sometimes it feels like the grading is so subjective. I’d love to know how you all assess condition. Do you have a go-to checklist or specific features you focus on? For instance, I pay close attention to the luster and any possible blemishes, but it seems like there’s always more to learn.
What’s been your experience? Have you ever had a coin that you thought was a gem, only to find out it was less than pristine? Let’s discuss!
- How do you determine if a Cherry Picker is worth the investment after grading?
- Are there common pitfalls to avoid when assessing condition?
- What resources do you recommend for better understanding gradings?
Absolutely! Grading Cherry Pickers can be a real minefield. I remember buying a 1998-S Lincoln penny that I thought had all the hallmarks of an MS67. It looked fantastic at first, but then I noticed some small contact marks on the cheek under a loupe. This experience taught me to always have a grading checklist handy. Here’s what I usually look for:
- Luster: This is key. Coins that have the right finish can jump a grade or two.
- Contact Marks: Any blemishes can seriously impact grade. Check both sides!
- Strike Quality: Poorly struck coins can appear lower grade, even if they look pristine otherwise.
- Eye Appeal: Sometimes, a coin is just stunning and worth more than its grade suggests.
I’d highly recommend checking out the grading resources on
PCGS. They have some great guides on grading criteria. Happy collecting!
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Thanks for sharing your checklist, @CoinMaster92! I think luster is one of the features I’ve overlooked a bit. When I was examining my penny, I totally focused more on the scratches. Great tip about checking for strike quality too. I’ll definitely be more thorough next time. Could you recommend any specific tools you use for grading?
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Grading can be subjective, especially with Cherry Pickers. I had this experience with a 1970-S penny that I swore was a gem, but after sending it for grading, it came back as a mere MS63. Take note of the details: sometimes it’s those small things that can cost you. I usually focus on these aspects:
- Surface Quality: Always look for scratches or wear on the high points.
- Original Packaging: A coin that’s been housed properly is less likely to have damage.
Has anyone else faced a similar situation? It’s frustrating!
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I usually use a good magnifier, @CoinEnthusiast89. I have a 10x jeweler’s loupe that helps spot the tiniest issues. It can make a huge difference in your grading assessments. Also, lighting is crucial—natural light works best for examining luster and surface imperfections. Have you tried that type of jeweler’s loupe?
Totally get where you’re coming from, CoinEnthusiast89! The subjective nature of grading is something that I still grapple with. I once bought what I thought was a high-grade 1995 penny—looked stunning, but there was a tiny fingerprint on it that was only visible under magnification. I’ve learned to scrutinize every angle now. I think communities like this help a lot with learning. Have you checked out online forums for grading tips?
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Your experience mirrors mine, CoinEnthusiast89! The first time I delved into the Cherry Picker realm, I bought a 1988 coin thinking it would be easy to grade. Turns out, it has these weird die scratches that I later learned are common—but not mentioned in a lot of guides. I have to remind myself that sometimes the worth isn’t just in the grade—it’s in the potential rarity and demand of the coin. I’d love to hear what others have to say about common mistakes we make when grading!
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Great point, @CherryPickerFan99! I’ve definitely been thrown off by those die scratches too. I feel like every time I discover something new, I realize how much I still have to learn. What do you think is the worst mistake a newcomer can make in grading? It’s always nice to learn from others’ experiences!
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Some helpful forums I’ve found are actually quite resourceful, @MintedDreams! There’s a great one over at NGC focused on grading. Many collectors share their insights and experiences there—it’s worth checking out.
I’d say a newcomer’s biggest mistake is definitely rushing the grading process, @CoinEnthusiast89. Take your time to really look at the details. It’s easy to get excited and skip over imperfections. Patience is key! Maybe we should all share our top tips or tricks for grading in another thread.
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Hey everyone! I wanted to add: if you’re trying to determine whether a Cherry Picker is worth the investment, always consider the market demand. A high grade isn’t everything. Sometimes coins with lower grades are highly sought after because of their story or rarity. I learned that the hard way when I had to sell a beautiful low-grade coin for a lot more than expected. Always check US Mint for release data and availability!
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Thanks for that insight, @NumismaticsNerd! I hadn’t thought about market demand when assessing my coins. It’s such an important factor that often gets overlooked. It’s all about recognizing the real value beyond the grade.
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