| Grading Coins - Coin Collecting Values | | | | exactly determine a coin’s state. The grades |
| It is not always easy to grade coins on a | | | | are usually assigned at key points in the scale, |
| consistent basis, often it takes a lot of expertise | | | | with P-1 or poor as the lowest and MS-70, or Mint |
| and experience. For neophytes, determining the | | | | State Perfect as the highest rank given for a |
| grades can be done by studying and following a | | | | very good-quality coin. Among the notable things |
| set of industry guidelines, like the American | | | | to remember when using this system are the |
| Numismatic Association's 0-70 point numeric | | | | terms “Uncirculated”, which refers to the |
| system, which is commonly utilized for assigning | | | | highest grade given to a coin deemed to be in its |
| the grade of a coin. | | | | mint state. A grade of 60 is viewed as the lowest |
| The main objective of grading coins is to exactly | | | | grade given to an uncirculated or proof coin, which |
| determine what the coin's market value is, and | | | | offers no trace of wear but may show a few |
| how well the coin was originally struck, or how | | | | contact marks or spots and dullness in its surface. |
| effectively it was preserved since the original | | | | In the 70-Point Grading Scale, an uncirculated coin |
| date of its minting. Determining a coin’s | | | | that has a grade of 70 is often viewed to be in |
| condition is vital, because after a coin's rarity and | | | | perfect condition, showing no evidence of wear |
| demand, the grade is the next vital factor in | | | | and tear, scratches, or contact with other coins. |
| assessing the coin’s value. Veteran coin | | | | Another terms such as “Choice About |
| collectors and numismatic experts note that the | | | | Uncirculated” or AU-55, refer to a coin that |
| higher the coin’s grade, the greater would its | | | | has less trace wear on only the highest points of |
| value be. However, there may be some | | | | the design, does not show any significant defects |
| exceptions to this definition, so some coin | | | | and retains most of its luster. “About |
| collectors have devised different systems of | | | | Uncirculated” or AU-55, refers to coins that |
| determining a coin’s overall condition. | | | | have at least half of the original mint luster but |
| A coin’s condition is usually verified or | | | | show trace wear on most of the highest areas of |
| summed up by its grade. Certain characteristics of | | | | the design. “Extremely Fine” or EF-40 |
| a coin influence its grade. For instance, surface | | | | refers to coins that have noticeable wear but still |
| condition, strike, eye appeal and luster are factors | | | | contain most of its sharp features. In the 70-Point |
| that figure in a coin's overall grade. If any of | | | | Grading Scale, a coin’s grades may vary, |
| these qualities are lacking, the grade as well as | | | | from “Very Fine”, “Fine”, |
| the value of the coin is reduced. Often, the | | | | “Very Good” and “Good” to |
| differences in quality among coins may be quite | | | | “About Good”. |
| subtle, and it may also be tough to notice the | | | | However, whenever a significant of difference is |
| quirks, which often will require a trained eye to | | | | noted between a coin’s two sides, a split |
| analyze and grade the coin. Even expert graders | | | | grade usually is assigned to it. Coin experts say |
| assign slightly different grades to the same coin, | | | | that split grades are indicated by a "/" between |
| and leave the final grade in the hands of the | | | | the grade. For instance, "AU/EF" would mean that |
| collector’s or trader’s opinion. | | | | one side is AU and the reverse side is EF. |
| The 70-Point Grading Scale is a system used to | | | | |