PCGS Slab Question

[papascoins]

Well, I know what the grade system means when they say 'MS67 RD', and 'MS 64 BN', and so on, for Cents of different kinds. But what do they mean when they say 'SP' for specimin? Sometimes I see a grade with 'SP68 RD' and it says 'Satin Finish' on top of the sticker. BUT......
sometimes I see 'Satin Finish' on top, and it will say 'MS68 RD' instead of 'SP". Does this mean it is a regular MS Graded coin? Why the 'Satin Finish' designation on coinage? Does this make the value go down?

I would like to hear back from one or more of you 'experienced' PCGS Slab owners, sellers, buyers, traders, graders, any other scrupulous coin owners, or just anyone knowledgable who can help straighten me out on this!

As always, I appreciate your help!

[Maineman750]

Try this http://www.pcgs.com/nogrades.html

[copperlover]

Thanks for the link MM. You always have an answer.

lucien

[Maineman750]

Thanks for the link MM. You always have an answer.

lucien

If only I were always right

[pman860507]

Nice link Maineman750, great information. I know this is not PGCS but i have a NGC graded MS69RD, and its a Stain Finish coin.

[coppercoins]

"Satin Finish" is (or should be) a designator for coins that have a satiny appearance but are not specially manufactured to be so. It's kind of like when especially shiny coins get a "prooflike" designation, but aren't really 'proof' coins.

"SP" is for "Specimen" and is used for coins that are minted in a special way with special dies JUST for collector sets.

[papascoins]

So, let me get this straight....Casey's coin (above) is still a MS 69 RD grade, and NOT an 'SP' grade, even though it says 'satin finish'. Correct? If so, then his value for that coin falls under the regular MS Grades, not the 'SP grades. Right?

Thanks.

[Maineman750]

I see what you are saying...PCGS does not have a listing in their pricing guide for an MS grade Satin Finish.It seems to me the Satin Finish should carry an SP grade.

[pman860507]

So is the MS grade on a satin finish coin just somerhing that ngc does? And if it was sent in to pgcs then it would be sp?

[papascoins]

Roger..... Roger

I see what you are saying...PCGS does not have a listing in their pricing guide for an MS grade Satin Finish.It seems to me the Satin Finish should carry an SP grade.

Yes, Roger. That is exactly what I mean. (And Pman, I AM talking about a PCGS slab.) Maybe it should carry the SP grade, but they give it an "MS" grade. I also own some of these coins like Pman does. That is why my interest.
Thanks.

[Maineman750]

Try asking them http://www.pcgs.com/about/

There is a phone number and an email address for questions.

[papascoins]

Roger, thanks! I did just that! I sent them a nice email telling them what a 'noob' I was....LOL

[Maineman750]

Let us know what the answer is...I'm curious

[liveandievarieties]

Let me muddy the waters: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2006-P-DDO-D...item588fd6f19a

I sent in 2 of these (business strike) doubled dies not for attribution, as it's not a Cherrypicker's variety (yet) that PCGS will slab, simply for grading. The geniuses at PCGS gave both coins "satin finish" attribution, which I though was only reserved for mint set Satin Finish specimens...... Always something interesting when slabbing.

[Maineman750]

I guess Mark will get an answer back stating " We are noobs too "