Grading coins
The first step of determinig a coins value is to grade it. The grade of a coin describes its condition from G-4 (worst) to MS-65 (best). The higher the grade of a coin the higher the value because, there will be less that have survived in such a high condition. To grade a coin you can follow the guide below or send your coins to a professional grading service such as ICCS (international coin certification service) or CCCS (Canadian coin certification service) to grade and package them for you.
High Points on Obverse
The high points on the obverse of a coin are the main parts to look at when determining its grade. These are normaly the parts of a design that are elevated and tend to wear down as time passes. listed Below are some of the high points on the obverse portrait. The high points are different depending on the king or queens portrait.
Victoria - Braids over the top of the ear, eyebrow, knot at back of head, laurel wreath
Edward vii- Pearls, jewels and bands on the crown, facial features (nose, ear, eyebrow, Moustache)
George v- Pearls, jewls and bands on the crown, moustache, beard, ear and nose
George vi- The eyebrow and lobe section of the ear, the wear on the hair above the ear and the forming of the parting
Elizabeth ii- Eyebrow, laurel wreath down to the ribbons, hair swept over the ear
*More important features to consider when grading a coin is the origional mint lusture and, if the legend is readable.*
Victoria - Braids over the top of the ear, eyebrow, knot at back of head, laurel wreath
Edward vii- Pearls, jewels and bands on the crown, facial features (nose, ear, eyebrow, Moustache)
George v- Pearls, jewls and bands on the crown, moustache, beard, ear and nose
George vi- The eyebrow and lobe section of the ear, the wear on the hair above the ear and the forming of the parting
Elizabeth ii- Eyebrow, laurel wreath down to the ribbons, hair swept over the ear
*More important features to consider when grading a coin is the origional mint lusture and, if the legend is readable.*
Good-4
All high points are worn away. All that remains is a faint silhouette. No mint lusture is present, legend is un-readable.
Very Good-8
A worn coin with 75% of the high points worn off. Hair appears to be flat with no strands visible. No mint lusture present but the legend can be read.
Fine-12
A decent coin with considerable wear. Hair starts to show detail. about 50% of the high points are worn and the coin has no mint lusture.
Very Fine-20
Most high points show wear with loss of detail. the jewles, pearls, and bands on the crown are mostly visible. High facial features show wear. The legend is very clear but none of the origional mint lusture is present.
Extra Fine-40
slightly less wear than Very fine-20. some mint lusture is visible around the portrait and in between letters in the legend.
Almost Uncirculated 50-55
A great coin with Light wear on all high points, and some sharp features. Hair has great detail. 50% of the origional mint lusture remains.
Mint state 60-65
An almost perfect coin with almost no imperfections or wear. Must have full mint lusture but may be dull in some places. Scratches and contact marks are barely visible.