At what stage of the process are die varieties/errors attributed?

[stldanceartist]

The title pretty much sums it up:

 

At what point in the process are die varieties and errors attributed? Would you mind expanding on the VarietyPlus process?

 

Thank you for your time!

 

 

[Max Spiegel]

Thanks for the question. Varieties and mint errors are typically attributed prior to grading, but may also be attributed during the grading process. VarietyPlus is NGC's attribution service for popular and significant varieties. To learn more about VarietyPlus, as well as the varieties recognized by NGC, click here.

[coinman1794]

Are there any perceived disadvantages to separating attribution from grading? Some die varieties are known with characteristic flatness that might be mistaken for strike weakness if the processes are separated. On circulated coins, wear might seem heavier than it actually is.

[Scott_Schechter]

Attribution and grading are slightly different skills. We believe that accuracy of both functions is improved by separating them and assigning work to specialized experts. Additionally, switching between grading and attribution can be difficult. Stopping to attribute coins can throw a grader off rhythm. Variety attribution requires different lighting and desk layout to work with reference books.

 

NGC graders have a solid knowledge of strike deficiency associated with certain varieties and coin types, so the issue that you raise is not a concern. Most often coins are attributed before grading, so each grader knows which variety the coin is even if he did not perform the attribution himself. And, after all, some varieties are hard to find in high grade precisely because they are usually encountered poorly struck.