GRADING STANDARDS

Although grading is subjective I have been into numismatics for many many years. I have only had one coin returned since 1973!!! I try to use the following grading standards:

POOR: Don't expect anything more from this coin than that you can tell what it is. The date may not be discernable on a one year type coin. Only the boldest of silhouettes can be seen. Coin may have damage in addition to wear

FAIR: Coin will have excessive wear. All major details will be apparent. Damage will be noted in the coin description. No rim will exist.

GOOD: About 10% of detail will be present. Lettering may be worn into the wording in some spots especially on coins with very flat perimeters. All major details of the coin will be present.

VERY GOOD: About 20% of detail will be present. Some minor details will be present. Full rim. A couple letters of LIBERTY on applicable coins will be visible. No hair lines on British type coins.

FINE: About 40% to 60% of detail present. Half of LIBERTY on applicable coins will be visible. Partial hair lines on Victoria type British coins etc.

VERY FINE: About 70% to 80% of detail will be present. Full LIBERTY on applicable coins will be visible. Half of hairlines on modern British coins will be present.

EXTRA FINE: About 90% or more detail will be present. Some coins may have luster around the devices. Only the highest of spots will show any wear or rub marks.

ALMOST UNCIRCULATED: Just that. A coin that is Extra Fine with luster of about 30% or more.

UNCIRCULATED: Just that. This is a coin that has never been circulated. Some coins do not exhibit full luster. Coins with luster or brilliance will be noted.

PROOF: This is a process where a coin is specially struck for collectors and not for circulation.