A grade is a term used by coin experts to describe and rank coins. For instance, if a coin collector tells another that he has a limited edition Ferrari Enzo, the other collector should already have an idea of the coin and it’s appearance without physically seeing it yet. That is what coin grade is intended for.
To some experienced coin collectors, using grades to rank coins is more of an art and skills rather than pure science as every collector has different opinions and views.
Grading coins is a skill that all coin collectors should learn, study and practice. It is preferable to learn and practice grading coins from your very first day of collecting coins. This is a continuous process and it will be perfected through experience.
There are many others grading scale available, but most coin collectors use the Sheldon Grading Scale today. Some even complained that they are just too many coin grading scales around and they messed things up. However, the very experienced coin collectors will know which grading scale to use for different types of coins.
Here are a few common methods you can use for grading coins.
Coin’s Surface
The marks on the coin and their placement are usually used to determine the grade of the coin. There is no concrete formula on the number of marks and exact placement to decide the coin’s grade. However, there are a few regulated rules about the importance of the placement of a mark on the particular coin.
The Luster
A coin’s surface can have a few types of textures. These textures are influenced by the design of the coin and the type of metal the coin is made of.
A coin can have a variation of textures on the surface, influenced by design, the metal that was used and the “mint of origin”.
When you are grading the coin’s surface, there are 2 things you should look at. Look at the number of marks on the coin and also their placement on it.
This is crucial when you are deciding whether they coin is circulated or not.
Color of The Coin
The color of the coin is a very subjective issue for all coin collectors. If you ask every collector, they will have a different views and opinion. For example, a silver coin showing dark grey pigmentation might be attractive to one, but unattractive to another.
The Eye Factor
A coin with a stronger eye appeal usually has a higher grade for the beginner collectors. However, an experience collector will also take into consideration the luster, color and surface before grading a coin.
Therefore, for some, a coin with a very strong eye appeal does not always win over the weaker one if it is being graded by someone experienced.
It is very important for you to learn and know how to grade a coin so that you will have an idea of the coin’s value before buying or selling them. If you are new to coin collecting, get someone experienced to guide you along the way.