Fazzari, Mishler Columns Touch on Important Aspects

I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy reading the columns by F. Michael Fazzari and Clifford Mishler in

Numismatic News.

Here’s why:

I read Mr. Fazzari’s articles for the technical aspects of our hobby and why educating yourself is so important for the full enjoyment of numismatics.

Mr. Mishler’s columns embody the reason most of us get into coin collecting: the excitement of the hunt, the camaraderie and the sharing of time and knowledge which are vital to the full enjoyment of our hobby. I am sure when I say this, I am not alone in feeling I know Cliff Mishler even though I have never met him.

What prompted me to write was the excellent article by Mr. Fazzari entitled “Coin Designations: Let’s cut the Nonsense” in the June 7 edition of Numismatic News.

I used to wonder when I went to coin shows how those newer slabbed Full Bell Line Franklins got that designation! I have also seen through the years the changing (loosening) standards on grading with the major grading services. There seems to be demand for the old “rattler holders” that haven’t been cracked out and sent for re-grading as these coins are usually graded lower than the newer standards would indicate.

The points you bring up about the “Cameo” designation, the “Full Steps” on Jefferson nickels and why a lightly circulated Standing Liberty quarter can’t have the “Full Head” designation are all thought provoking and a great read.

I would like to add this while we are on the subject: Why would a chopmarked Trade dollar be given a damaged (details) grade noted “Chopmarked” with one of the third-party grading services (TPGS) and with another TPGS the full grade (also noted “Chopmarked”) as if the coin is undamaged?

Gary Wetmore Address withheld

Editor’s note: Following is a response from F. Michael Fazzari.

This is an evolving thing. Technically, I’m not a coin dealer but as I remember, before the TPGS came along, Trade dollars with chops were considered to be damaged coins by dealers. They were sold at very reduced prices. At ANACS, we just authenticated them. Later, at the first grading service (INS Authentication Bureau), we used “technical grading” so a chopped coin was graded and “Chop Marked” was added to the description. By the mid 1980s when PCGS and NGC came along, chopped coins were again rejected as not suitable for grading. PCI in Tennessee was the first TPGS to slab problem coins. Chopped coins were graded as problem coins using a red label. “Chopped” was added to the label. At that time, no other service was slabbing problem coins. Eventually the major services graded problem coins. Interestingly, that was a throwback to the technical grading we did at INS: grade the coin, state the problem. Over time, as chopped coins became popular, some of the services started to straight grade them. ICG, where I work now, made that change about a decade ago. I suggest you check with the customer service department of the grading service to check their policy.