Learning how to grade parts can often be daunting for the novice coin collector. But in reality, it is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Some collectors take it quite naturally, but those who do not do it can assimilate it quite quickly with just a little practice. Below is coin grading guide to help you.

The grading of pieces is an art, unlike a science

In fact, you will often find that two experienced evaluators will have different opinions on the degree of a given currency. Therefore, the ability to accurately evaluate parts is just something that comes with experience and practice.

The main requirement to be competent in the grading of parts is a focus for details. And the way to develop the eye is to watch many pieces. In this way, you will begin to recognize the patterns of wear of different types of parts at different degrees.

Two parts

You will notice that a part number has two parts, a name and a number, such as MS-65, or Mint-State 65. The names, to better or worse, are mint state (MS), about Ongecirculeerd (AU), Extremely fine (EF or XF), very fine (FV), fine (F), very good (VG), good (G), good (AG), regular and poor.

The numbers come from the Sheldon scale of 70 points, and they make it possible to better distinguish the coins. For example, suppose you have three Mercury Dimes, an MS-63, an MS-64, and an MS-65. The three pieces are in perfect condition, however, the MS-65 coin is the best example of the three.

The other requirement for grading coins, besides having a good eye, is to have a good book for visual reference. I suggest starting with the ANA’s official grading standards, published by the United States Numismatic Association.

A note of caution regarding the purchase and sale of coins, especially high-end coins. If you invest a lot of money on a coin, or if you sell a currency that is worth a lot of money, unless you have a lot of experience and have a lot of confidence in the grading of your ability, you have to turn to a professional third party. grader, either PCGS or NGC.

Conclusion

There are unscrupulous distributors and collectors who will overestimate the coins when they sell and the lower quality coins when they buy. The use of a third party will protect you financially.

The grading of coins is essentially the process of determining the degree or the state of a currency, a fundamental factor of its value.