grading question, vf to xf

[dixiejunksales]

What is the distinction from vf to xf on wheats? Top of the ear?
I know the early ones have weak reverse strike issues and not to go by just the obverse grade.
I have looked at the PCGS online photo grade. I do not see much difference.
I have a Coin world book and it jumps from VF30 to XF45.

[seal006]

To me the difference is pretty clear. XF will usually only have slight/mid wear on the highest of points. Like the cheek and jaw areas on the obverse, whereas the VF will have a wider flat "plain" if you will in those areas. On there reverse a XF coin will show distinct separation in the wheat lines, whereas the VF version will show some areas where the lines touch. This of course is my own opinion, and is a very abridged version.

[simonm]

XF also has some luster left over, but not as much as AU. VF coins rarely have any original luster.

[dixiejunksales]

What would the cut off be between VF35 and XF40? There are several dates that jump significantly from vf to xf. I bought a junk #1 album at the local club auction that had a xf/au 15D in it for $11. I run across albums/folder like this now and then and it would he me to value them when I do. Check CDN bid on 10 11 12 13 14 15 P. Significant difference on those from vf to xf.

[jallengomez]

Here's a great visual resource-

http://www.pcgs.com/photograde/#/Lincoln/Grades

Jody

[seal006]

What would the cut off be between VF35 and XF40? There are several dates that jump significantly from vf to xf. I bought a junk #1 album at the local club auction that had a xf/au 15D in it for $11. I run across albums/folder like this now and then and it would he me to value them when I do. Check CDN bid on 10 11 12 13 14 15 P. Significant difference on those from vf to xf.

Keep in mind, for most guides, VF is actually VF20 and EF or XF as most of us call it now is actually XF40. That is a 20 point scale difference. That is the biggest difference in two grades that are side by side on the grading scale. This leaves a lot of wiggle room for grading purposes as well as pricing.

[dixiejunksales]

here is another one. The f15 looks better than the VF25. The PCGS is about the same. there does not seem to be a progressive improvement accross the line.

http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_to_grade_lincoln_cents.html

[seal006]

here is another one. The f15 looks better than the VF25. The PCGS is about the same. there does not seem to be a progressive improvement accross the line.

http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_to_g...oln_cents.html

I do not think you are looking close enough. If you concentrate on the same areas of the coin on both grades you will start to see it. Look at the detail in Lincoln's hair on the VF25 as opposed to the F15, there is much more detail. On the reverse of the F15 the wheat lines are smushed, whereas the VF25, though touching in places still shows definition.

[seal006]

Keep in mind that there is no exact science to grading. It is VERY subjective. What one person may see another may not. It gets even trickier the higher the grade goes.

[jallengomez]

Click on the photos of the individual coins at the PCGS site, and you'll get high-res images. You'll definitely see the difference then.

[dixiejunksales]

I do not think you are looking close enough. If you concentrate on the same areas of the coin on both grades you will start to see it. Look at the detail in Lincoln's hair on the VF25 as opposed to the F15, there is much more detail. On the reverse of the F15 the wheat lines are smushed, whereas the VF25, though touching in places still shows definition.

I see the difference on the PCGS site from f to vf. the vf25 to vf 35 I see a little difference mostly in hair detail. I see a difference between vf35 to xf. I am just not sure what the cut off should be. (something like looking for the bottom edge of the ribbon on an IHC)

The coinauctionhelp site does not seem to get better down the page. I like the vf30 better than the vf35 and the vf 25 looks too slick. I may be seeing weak strike instead of wear.

[seal006]

Like I stated, it is all very subjective. You could have 3 different graders that all work at PCGS, and you could very well end up with 3 different grades. Personally for me, I like AU53 and AU55 the best. I like how the brown color the copper turns makes the details pop out much better than a nice shiny red BU cent. It is also a lot easier on the pocket book. It is all a matter of preference. By the coin, not the grade. If you like it and feel it is priced well enough for what you like then you will have a coin you will always love. Buy one because of what grade it got stuck with, you will have regrets, and less money.

[copperlover]

As Sean said grades are subjective and 3 top graders will give 3 different grades. Beauty lies in the eyes of the person looking. I would say eye appeal has a lot to do with the the coin that has been graded. Take a look at some Teletrade Auctions and you will see a variation in these grades XF and VF. I have seen lower graded coins that look better than the higher graded ones and that happens from time to time.

[BadThad]

The "hair above the ear" is a HORRIBLE grade diagnostic. Many issues show flatness there due to the die and NOT wear. Grading is all about wear in the circulated grades. On the obverse you need to pay attention to these in this order: cheek, jaw, lapel. Those are the obverse high points. On an EF coin the only obverse wear you'll see is on the cheek and jaw, just a slight flatness. I laugh when people talk about a "full bowtie", that's also a HORRIBLE indicator as it's not a design high point and a worthless grade diagnostic. When someone says something about the bowtie I know they're a noob to Lincolns. And the funny thing, I've heard some older dealers and collectors refer to it.

Generally, he easiest way to tell VF from EF is to use the reverse. On an EF coin the lines show completely very little wear and the wheat grains are only slightly worn. The reverse wears starting on the lines and then it progresses to the grains. On a VF coin you will see pretty significant wear on the grains, i.e. they start to flatten.

[SDP73]

Another great thread and very timely for me as I am about to start grading a whole bunch of coins for sale. Thanks everyone!