What does the * mean?

[topsman]

I noticed that some NGC graded coins have a * following their grade. What does this * mean or stand for.

[airplanenut]

Exceptional Quality--whether it be a just-missed designation (such as just missed CAM or DCAM) or just a stunning coin (wonderful toning, extreme lustre, so close to the next grade but just doesn't make it, etc)

 

Here's a Star coin with both fantastic color and lustre:

 

 

Jeremy

[braddick]

I love the STAR. I have yet to see an NGC "STAR" coin that I didn't like, a lot. Maybe I'm just easy to please.

 

The STAR should not be confused though with Premium Quality.

 

An NGC STAR coin does NOT mean it just misses the next grade up.

[gmarguli]

Exceptional EYE APPEAL - not quality. The coin can be low end for the grade, but super appealing.

[michael]

gmarguli greg is absolutely correct he sums it up the best

 

 

also a coin will get a star if say for example it is a proof three cent nickel but with an ULTRA cameo obverse and only a CAMEO reverse then it will get a star * cameo designation

 

the key here is the obverse makes the greater designation not the reverse

 

and of course the coin i would assume needs to be exceptionally eye appealling too

 

michael

[braddick]

Good point regarding the CAMEO, Michael.

 

I like the STAR and seek them out. I've not been disapointed with one yet.

[michael]

thanks pat

 

now a few more examples lets say you have a halfdime that is nearly prooflike on both sides or a prooflike obverse and a just made it pl reverse then the coin will get the star with no prooflike designation on the hjolder just the star and i am assuming the coin has exceptional eyen appeal also but got the star due to the near miss pl obverse if the coin is a strongly prooflike even dmpl reverse but the obverse is not prooflike then the coin gets no star as it is the obverse that counts

 

 

 

hence ultra cameo obv and cameo reverse coin gets star CAMEO

cameo obverse and close to cameo reverse coin gets star no cameo

 

 

it is one of the most confusingh and even most subjective designation ngc has but there are for the most part the majority of coins that get the star deserve it and look fantastic

 

for example any middle date higher mintstaTE large cent that gets a star must really be a wild looking sweet coin

same for a HIGHER GRADE MINTSTATE

walker

early commem

seated coin franklin

that gets a star....... wild!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

michael

[michael]

here is an image (please click the attachment) ngc star graded coin

 

in person a 100% fully struck coin with killer lustre and eye appeal

 

 

michael

[HaydenTubbs]

here is an image (please click the attachment) ngc star graded coin

 

in person a 100% fully struck coin with killer lustre and eye appeal

 

 

michael

 

WOW nice Seated dime Michael!

I think I've seen that one on the boards before though

[michael]

hi there hayden

 

yes it is a repeat image that has been on here many times

 

michael

[EZ_E]

here is an image (please click the attachment) ngc star graded coin

 

in person a 100% fully struck coin with killer lustre and eye appeal

 

 

michael

 

Michael, you get a star [ * ] for all of the great images that you share!

 

You certainly have an eye for quality. Thanks for sharing.

[michael]

thanks victor!!

 

 

 

 

michael

[EZ_E]

thanks victor!!

 

 

 

 

michael

 

 

 

Reged: Jan 28 2002

Posts: 1776

 

You're welcome, Bicentennial Man . Note the 1776 posts.

[sadysta1]

Jeremy that used to be my coin if I recall the grade was 64FT *

 

I made this coin