|
Getting a reasonable
estimate on what the grade of your coin is can be relatively easy.
Knowing the grade of your coins will help you determine what the
value is. The following descriptions will help you get a
ballpark grade of your coins. Learning to grade your coins
is one of the most important lesson you will learn. How to grade Us. Coins
is also an invaluable book for coin grading.
 Mint State
This coin grade is
nearly perfect. With no trace of wear anywhere. The
range of this grade is MS60 to MS70. MS70 is perfect.
Most range from MS60-MS66. Although there is a very fine
line that distinguishes each of the different grades of the Mint
State, and it is definitely an art and years of experience that
will help you determine the proper grade. Know this, even
professional coin grading services don't get it right 100% of the time,
and everyone has different interpretations of grading coins.
 About Uncirculated
This coin grade is almost perfect. There is a light trace
of wear on the coin, usually on the high areas of the coin.
Unless you really know what you are looking for, it is most
difficult to tell the difference between AU and MS, but if you are
looking at the high points of any coin and looking for wear you
should be able to tell. I always look at coins with a very
good light source. Seeing the coins with a true light will
help you determine where the blemishes are on the coin.
 Extremely Fine
This coin grade shows very little wear. Most of the major
features on the coin are clearly defined, and a lot of the luster
of the coin is still visible. It is a very demanding grade
of coin, and knowing what to look for will help differentiate
between XF to VF (Very Fine).
 Very Fine
This coin grade shows little wear with the major features of
the coin very sharp in detail. The minor features of a coin
will show little wear.
Most of the wear will be on the high points of the coin.
 Fine
There is a moderate to considerable even wear on the coin.
The coin will still have distinguishable features. A lot
of the details show a fair amount of the design.
 Very Good
Well worn, and shows slight detail on the main
features of the coin. The coins overall appearance will be
noticeable, but well worn.
 Good
Very worn features, mostly flat in appearance. The design is
visible, but heavily worn with many of the details gone.
 About Good
Very heavily worn with lettering, details, and dates worn
smooth. The date may not be visible at all. This is
the worst possible condition of a coin, and is worst coin grading
given to a coin.
So get out your coin grading book, and learn all you can about
grading your coins in your collection. Know the basics of
coin grading will allow you to accurately grade your coins and
coins that you wish to purchase in the future. |
