Coin Collecting Guide

The state or condition of a coin is usually totaled up by a grade. The demand and rarity of the coin is of utmost importance and after this it’s the condition that the coin is in. If the grade of the coin is high then the value is the same. There are always variations to the grading system of the coins so collectors have created rules or systems to appraise the conditions of the coins.

Many characteristics of the coin make up its grade. Luster, physical condition and eye appeal all contribute in grading the coin. If the coin is missing any of these characteristics the value and grade of the coin drop. Sometimes the differences in the coins are so hard to pick up that it takes a much trained eye to appraise. The same coin will get slightly varying grades so the final number or grade is left up to opinion.

Although it takes a trained eye to grade coins on constant basis beginners can still get a close grade. All they have to do is follow some guidelines.  The 0-70 point number system implemented by the American Numismatic Association is many times used to decipher the grade of a coin in the collector’s hand.

The highest grade a coin can be given is ‘uncirculated’ which also means the coin is in mint state. The lowest grade given to a proof coin or uncirculated coin is 60. A coin graded at this level shows little or no signs of wear except a few marks where contact has been mad e and missing some luster. A coin receiving a grade of 70 that is uncirculated has no signs of wear, contact or signs of being handled at all. An extremely high quality grade for a coin is also called proof. This does not refer to the condition of the coin but the manufacture instead.  These coins are usually special made and have a high shine or mirror like image to it.

Coins that have no trace wear on the highest areas of design and still have its luster are called Choice About Uncirculated or AU-55. Coins that have about one-half of the original luster of being original and has trace wear on the points of design are called About Uncirculated or AU-55. Coins that possess noticeable wear but still have sharp features are Extremely Fine or EF-40. From here the grades vary down the line the grades are named Very Fine, Fine, Very Good, and Good down to About Good.

Many things can bring down the value of a coin such as holes, repairs, gouging and edge dents. Many individuals try to polish up a coin to make it of more value but this does not work. These coins are of much lesser value.

On coins that have a big difference between the sides the term a split grade may be given. When a split grade is given it looks like this: “AU/EF”. One side is AU and the opposite side is EF. When grading a coin it is always worthwhile to get an expert second opinion.