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 surfaceThe 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.