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To reduce the cost of the coin grading process at NGC, collectors often team up to share the expenses for shipping and paperwork. This time, a batch of five coins was collected and sent for expert evaluation.
To reduce the cost of the coin grading process at NGC, collectors often team up to share the expenses for shipping and paperwork. This time, a batch of five coins was collected and sent for expert evaluation.
The shipment included a variety of specimens, both in terms of origin and metal. Each coin was selected with specific grade expectations, which were to be confirmed or refuted by NGC specialists.
| Characteristic | Value |
| Coin | 20 Pfennig, German Empire |
| Year | 1875, D (Munich) |
| Expected Grade | MS 66 or higher |
| Actual Grade | MS 65 |
The first coin to return from evaluation was the 20 Pfennig 1875. This specimen, with its vibrant patina, held high hopes for a high grade, up to MS 66 or even higher. The coin was initially purchased for 15 euros.
The result was good, but slightly below expectations. NGC experts assigned the coin a grade of MS 65. Despite some disappointment, a check of the NGC database revealed that it is the only specimen with this grade, and only two coins are graded higher. Thus, the coin is among the top three in condition of all those certified by NGC.
Next, two German coins were examined. The first was a nickel 50 Pfennig from 1938 (mint E). Coins from the same batch had previously been sent for grading, receiving grades of MS 63 and MS 66. This specimen received a grade of MS 63, which is a good result for this coin, rare in high quality.
The second coin was a 3 Marks from 1911, commemorating the University of Breslau (mint A). The initial expectation was for a grade around MS 64, but the coin received a grade of MS 63. According to the NGC database, there are 117 coins in this condition, and 198 specimens have a higher grade, making it quite common.
The 40 Francs gold coin from 1812 raised concerns from the start due to the presence of scratches. There was hope for a numerical grade, such as AU 58 or even MS 60. The coin was purchased for 810 euros during a period when gold prices were lower.
The verdict from NGC was disappointing but expected: AU DETAILS with the note 'OBV SCRATCHED' (scratches on the obverse). This means the coin has an 'About Uncirculated' condition, but due to mechanical damage, it was not assigned a numerical grade. Despite this, the coin retains its value, at least for its metal content.
The biggest disappointment came from the gold chervonets — a 10 Rubles coin from 1899. The coin was bought for 675 euros at a numismatic fair and was attractive for its perfect mint luster, which, unfortunately, was misleading.
Even at the time of purchase, doubts arose due to a strange edge, but in the rush, this was not given proper attention. The NGC evaluation confirmed the worst fears: the coin was returned without a slab with the verdict 'NOT GENUINE'.
This high-quality counterfeit was likely produced during the Soviet era. It is made of gold, possibly of a higher fineness, but is slightly lighter than the original (by 0.05 mg). Now, the process of returning the coin to the seller lies ahead.
