Hey fellow collectors! I wanted to share a little experience I had recently that got me thinking about the reliability of PCGS Photograde images. A few weeks ago, I came across a 1914-D Lincoln penny that looked stunning in the image, boasting a solid MS-65 grade. I couldn’t resist and made the purchase, but once it arrived, I found myself a bit disappointed.
The color was off from what I expected, and there were noticeable marks that didn’t show up in the image, diving its true grade to more of an MS-63. I’d done a fair bit of research on the coin and double-checked against current market value, but the shock of it looking so much different in person was quite a letdown. It made me wonder how often others have had similar experiences!
Have any of you bought a coin solely based on its PCGS Photograde and ended up surprised? Did you have good or bad experiences? Are there certain indicators you now look for that help you assess coins better? I’d love to hear your stories and tips!
I’ve definitely had a similar experience! I once bought a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny based solely on its Photograde image from PCGS. The image showed such vibrant color and detail, making it seem like an easy addition to my collection. However, when it arrived, the luster was muted, and there were more scratches than visible in the photo. I felt like I had been duped. Now, I always make sure to request additional photos or reach out to the seller for confirmation about the coin’s condition. Has anyone else tried that? It helps to get a second opinion! I’d never assume a coin is in perfect condition again based just on an image. PCGS Photograde is useful but can be misleading!
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Thanks for sharing your story, @HistoryHunter! It’s definitely a cautionary tale! I wish I had been more cautious too. Just curious, what specific indicators do you check for now when assessing coins?
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I’ve had a similar ordeal! A few months ago, I bought a 1921 Peace Dollar that was graded MS-64 in the Photograde image. When it arrived, I noticed a series of distracting marks on the cheek that weren’t visible in the image. It’s disheartening when the expectations don’t meet reality, especially at that price point. Best advice? Always scrutinize the edges and surfaces closely. I recommend checking for hairlines and toning because those often signal hidden issues. They say buy the coin, not the slab, and they really mean it! Have you looked at the grading guides on NGC’s site for tips? They’re quite helpful!
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In my experience, @NumismaticNerd, color can be very misleading! The same coin can look entirely different under different lighting conditions. I’ve also learned the hard way to always ask for photos under natural light. Has anyone else adopted this approach? It’s really made a difference for me! 
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Oh boy, do I have a story! I bought a Walking Liberty half dollar described as ‘near gem.’ When it arrived, it was scratched up with a distracting edge ding. Now, I won’t purchase without at least two different angles of the coin! And when they said ‘near gem,’ I almost argued it was closer to a ‘G’ than anything else. 
Sometimes I think sellers need a refresher on grading standards.
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Haha, @CoinLover99, that’s too relatable! It can be so frustrating! I definitely learned that the hard way. What do you think about asking for seller reviews? I’ve noticed that it helps to see how others have rated their experiences before making a decision.
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Great topic! I’ve bought coins based on images several times, and I agree, the disappointment can sting! The best way to mitigate that risk is by educating yourself on coin grading and photography techniques. Using a loupe or magnifier has helped me tremendously! Sometimes you’ll spot imperfections that can’t be captured well in images. What do you all think about investing in grading books? Any favorites?
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@TreasureSeeker, I completely agree! Education is key. I’ve found that the Photograde book from PCGS is excellent for getting a better understanding of grading standards. I’m also interested in hearing what other books people recommend. Grading can be subjective, and having reference materials helps a lot!
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Funny you mention that! I actually received a coin yesterday based on a wonderful PCGS image, but the coin was just an average piece when I opened the package. I even joked with my friend about how I risk my wallet for these photos. Fellow collectors, what do you think? Is it worth the risk for the right coin?
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It’s a double-edged sword, @ModernMint! On one hand, you might get lucky and find that diamond in the rough. But often, it feels like we’re playing a game of ‘guess the grade.’ Invest in knowledge, and it can pay off in avoiding regrets! Just keep that wallet close. 
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Great thread, everyone! I remember buying a 1943 copper penny that looked fantastic in the PCGS image. When I received it, it was completely different—way over-graded! Now, I always trust my gut more than any image. Are any of you planning to attend the upcoming coin show? I’d love to know if anyone’s got tips for finding quality coins there!
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