Hey fellow collectors! I’ve been spending a lot of time mulling over how we, as a community, approach grading, especially the seemingly relentless pursuit of that elusive MS70. The other day, I was going through my collection and realized that while I do have a few graded coins, most of my favorites don’t boast that perfect grade. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher for me.
Are we losing the joy of the coins’ stories and histories in favor of strict numerical assessments? While I totally recognize the importance of grading in terms of value and quality, I sometimes feel like we might be turning our backs on the rich narratives that make collecting so special. For example, I have a beautifully worn Morgan dollar from 1883 that carries so much character and tells a tale of its journey through time, something an MS70 coin just can’t match.
What do you all think? Is there a balance to be struck? How does grading enhance or detract from your enjoyment of coins? Do you prioritize condition over history, or is it the opposite for you? Would love to hear your thoughts!
This is such a relevant topic! I completely agree with you, @CoinEnthusiast88. While grading does provide a standard, the charm of coin collecting often lies in the stories behind the coins. I have a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny that’s far from perfect, yet every time I look at it, I think about it circulating back in the early 20th century. I believe we should appreciate both condition and historical context. After all, isn’t that the heart of this hobby? If we only focus on achieving that MS70, it might overshadow the rich narratives that could be lost. What do others think?
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Absolutely! I’m with you guys on this. I think the MS70 obsession can detract from the real beauty of a collection. My great-grandfather’s coins have so much character, and they reflect history in a way that a perfect coin could never convey. It’s like finding a treasure that has a story every time I look at them. Would you ever consider trading a pristine coin for one with a story, @CoinEnthusiast88?
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Great points made! Personally, I think grading serves an essential purpose in maintaining standards, but the joy of coin collecting, for me, is undoubtedly in the history. I once picked up a well-worn Barber Quarter from my local shop. The dealer said it was only worth a few bucks, but I loved the idea of it being in circulation for over a century! I’d trade ten MS70s for one coin like that any day. Have you guys ever had a similar experience?
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Totally! The stories behind the coins are what draw me in. Sometimes, it feels like the market elevates those MS70 pieces, but a coin with history often comes with rich narratives. I’d love to hear stories about everyone’s favorite coin! 
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Interesting thought! I think the emphasis on grading is good in some ways since it establishes a benchmark, but it can overshadow the absolute beauty of coins that have been well-loved. I came across a couple of coins in my grandfather’s old collection, and they’re so worn that they look like they’ve traveled the world! Those coins are priceless to me. Does anyone here have a favorite worn-out coin that tells a story?
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Thanks for all your insights, everyone! I love reading your thoughts on this topic. It’s refreshing to see so much passion about the stories behind the coins. @SilverSeeker21, I think trading a pristine coin for one with a compelling history could definitely be worthwhile! Anyone here really think it’s a bad idea?
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That’s a valid concern! I think the hobby does run the risk of losing touch with the artistic and historical elements of coins. The history behind each coin reflects our culture and events of the time. Plus, I think we should encourage new collectors to appreciate the charm of circulated coins. Otherwise, it’s just about numbers. @HistoryBuff63, do you have any specific coins in mind that have a fascinating backstory?
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I see where you’re coming from! It’s a balancing act, but there are definitely those that put too much emphasis on grades. Have you checked out some of the older coins with toning? They can add immense character to a collection. They tell stories of their journey through time. Plus, have y’all seen some of the auctions on (PCGS)? They can sometimes feature breathtaking pieces that 
reflect their history without being graded MS70!
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