RC Cars, Collectible Model Train
Sets, Collectible Model Cars & More
How to Grade Your Coins
A "grade" is described as a shorthand designed
by coin experts (numismatists) to reveal a coin’s appearance.
Simply put, if a certain coin collector tells another collector
that he owns an uncirculated Charlotte 50 half eagle, both
should already have a concept of the coins appearance without
even seeing it, because of the claim of its grade.
Some disclose that designating a grade to rank or categorize a
coin is more of an art rather than science, since often it is
extremely subjective or biased; this applies particularly when
working on “Mint State” coins where little differences, in terms
of grade, make so much difference in the price.
Grading can be learned, studied and applied with a predictable
and known outcome that eventually depends on judgment, not
feelings.
Like any language, science, sport, or research, it is best to
learn and understand coin grading one component at a time,
through serious study and experience.
Today, most numismatists use the “Sheldon grading scale”. While
there are those that complain of "too many grades", most
experienced coin graders recognize and appreciate the fact that
there is a wide range in features between ranges.
Strike
This is the method of stamping or imprinting a drawing or a
symbol onto a blank. Depending on the coin’s design, it can
either have weak or strong strike. An example of this would be
the “Type II gold dollar” on which both sides (front and back)
have the highest strike that is perfectly aligned, meaning,
these designs require weak strikes.
Generally the strike is not a key factor in establishing the
coin’s grade except when it is included in a series where the
value is connected to strike.
Preservation of the coin’s surface
The number of coin marks as well as where they are placed is a
significant element in establishing the grade. While there is no
fixed formula on the number of coin marks that sets its grade,
there are several regulated standards regarding the significance
of the location or positioning of a scratch.
For instance, a coin having a deep scratch that it is not easily
visible on its reverse (back) side will not be strictly
penalized. However, if the same scratch was positioned on a
noticeable or obvious central point on the front, such as the
cheek on the Statue of Liberty, it would be penalized much more.
Patina or luster
A coin can have a variation of textures on the surface,
influenced by design, the metal that was used and the “mint of
origin”. Textures can include frosty, satiny, proof-like and
semi-proof-like.
When examining the coin’s surface in terms of grade, two things
should be looked at; the quantity, or what is left of the
original skin (has to be intact), and the location and amount of
marks.
Luster is important especially when determining whether a coin
is either circulated or uncirculated. A coin in Mint State
technically; is free of abrasion and wear and must not have
significant breaks in its luster.
Color
This is a very subjective element in determining coin grade. For
instance, a “gold coin” showing dark green-gold pigmentation may
be unattractive to one collector and attractive to another.
As gold is moderately an inert metal, it is not prone to much
color variance as copper or silver. Although wide ranging colors
may exist in gold coins.
Almost all of US gold coins had been dipped or cleaned,
therefore not anymore displaying their original color. As coin
collectors become knowledgeable, most of them are attracted and
fascinated to coins having their natural color. In most coin
series, it is nearly impossible to discover original coin
pieces.
Eye attraction or appeal
Color, luster, strike and surface marks come together, comprises
“eye appeal”. Note that a coin having superior “eye appeal” can
be strong in one aspect, such as possessing exceptional luster
but not quite as strong in another aspect, such as not so good
color.
A coin that is undesirable in one aspect yet good enough in all
the other aspects can still be distinguished as “below average”
in “eye appeal”.
Knowing how to grade a coin is very important so that one can
have an idea of the value or price of the coin that he is buying
or selling. When new to coin collecting, be sure to ask the help
of an experienced collector or dealer when buying or exchanging
your coins.