I agree completely. Ive been looking at 64+ CAC'd $10 Indians and $20 Saints, and they are very sharp looking coins, and much cheaper in some cases than a 65.

In many ways, the situation of Plus graded coins reminds me of what

happened with truly super AU 58 Bust halves. A few years ago, one could

find such coins that looked MS-64 or 65 with a slight amount of wear on the

high points. The truly wise collectors pounced on these terribly underrated and

under priced coins until today, when such coins are really like hens teeth.

 So be forewarned check out those PLUS grades for the truly splendid ones. You

will probably have to spend up for the really nice ones, but in duue time, it will prove

to be a worth while effort.

I believe that the new Plus grading will do for type coins what happened to the AU-58 Bust Halves.

There , you had , what was in effect MS-64 and MS-65 quality coins, with slight rub on the high point.

If you were very selective in the selection of quality AU-58s, then you had in effect gem coins at a fraction

of the price. Of course, we saw what happened, the nice coins got upgraded to MS status or , the price of

realy nice AU-58 Bust Halves exploded. I believe, that the same thing will happen to select Plus coins. It is

my opinion that they are, at present, under appreciated and under valued.

Worthy of a bump!

Apparently PCGS has put the Kabosh on issuing PLUS grades for the time being.

Everyone resubmitting coins for upgrade might want to wait a bit before submitting

them during this dry period.

Plus grading offers something else---more accurate population statistics.  When I see a dealer touting pop figures for, say, an MS65 1870 dime, I never know what this information really means.
Grading standards have varied all over the place, and numerous coins have been tried for upgrades (sometimes more than a dozen times!), so I view this information as suspect.  Plus grades are
newer, and the grading is tighter; therefore, the pop reports should be more useful.

I had not thought of that aspect of the PLUS grade, but it is very

true indeed.

It appears that PCGS may have tightened up their grading a bit. While this may have slowed the

awarding of higher grades and Plus grades to resubmissions, it is really not a bad thing. I for one

can never argue against tighter grading standards. While PCGS has never admitted to changing grading

standards, they did tighten up the requirement for DMPL on Morgans from 6" minimum to 8" minimum.

There could be several reasons for this change, If indeed it is happening.

1. With the creation of CAC, it could be an embarrassment if only 60% of PCGS Coins submitted are awarded a
CAC sticker as being solid for the grade.

2. The tighter standards could have a marked effect on removing the profit motive for crack out artists from pushing
coin grades to the limit and even beyond. Wouldn't a collector rather buy a strong MS-65 at the top of the grade
instead of a just barely made it MS-66 at a much higher cost.

3. As the Leading TPG, PCGS must always be aware of their grading, in an industry where accuracy consistency,
and conservative grading, is always highly regarded and desired.

4. Tighter grading could also reduce the chances of PCGS having to buy back or pay the difference in a coin that may have
become over graded.



Now remember, this is all perceived and unproven. It is a theory, but if true, will only benefit collectors and the hobby in the
long run.

what is the web link for "Coin Rarities Online" ?

what is the web link for "Coin Rarities Online" ?

Click on the link on this forum "Important Links and Dealers"