• "the finest collection"

    Coin Grading


    PROOF (PROOF)
    You may see a coin referred to as a 'Proof'. This is not a grade but the name given to a coin that is made using specially prepared dies (The dies are the inverted images used to strike coins) and often alternative metals. The flat areas of proofs often have a mirrored finish, and you can literally see your face in them.

    BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED (BU)
    BU is not an official grade but is often used to refer to an Uncirculated coin with full mint lustre.

    UNCIRCULATED (UNC)
    Like the name suggests the coin should be as it left the mint with no signs of circulation or wear. Not necessarily perfect though, because coins can pick up scratches and what's known as 'bag' marks during mass production and contact with other coins at the mint. The coin should have most of its lustre present and some dealers may expect 100% lustre on coins stated as Uncirculated. An Uncirculated coin would be given to you from a freshly opened bag of new coins in your change.

    EXTREMELY FINE (EF/XF)
    A coin with little sign of being circulated. There may be only the slightest wear to the highest areas and minimal scratches and other marks. Usually some of the mint lustre is visible on coins of this grade. As a rough idea a coin in your change would probably be an EF if it had been lucky and was minted just 1 year ago.

    VERY FINE (VF)
    A coin with some wear to the highest areas of the design but has seen limited circulation. More hair detail is evident and also detail on the other designs. Just as an average guide a coin that has been in normal circulation for approximately 5 years would probably qualify for VF status.

    FINE (F)
    Usually with earlier 'Milled' coins this is the first truly collectable condition and often very good value because sometimes there are considerable leaps in value between a Fine coin and the next grade up. Fine coins still show considerable wear to all raised surfaces. More detail should be visible on the designs and some of the main hair volume should be visible on the Monarchs head. Not individual strands, but maybe a parting or signs of head-dress. Many of the coins in your pocket even after just 30 years or less of use could probably be described as 'Fine'

    FAIR/GOOD (FR/GD)
    Confusingly 'Good' coins are not really that good at all. Usually although very worn Good coins should be identifiable with clear dates. All the writing and main designs should be distinguishable. Like above, not usually wanted by coin collectors unless very very rare, but can still have sentimental historical value.

    POOR (PR)
    A coin that is usually barely identifiable, often with some of the writing/date worn away. Coins in this condition are not usually wanted by coin collectors unless very very rare, but can still have sentimental historical value.


    # Source: Predecimal.com
    # Information also can be found in blog@myKoleksi
     

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    Numis Terms

    # Coin Alignment - A method of striking in which the obverse and reverse dies are aligned 180 degrees from each other. [more]
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    # Effigy - The image or likeness of a person, usually on the obverse of a coin or medal.
    # Luster - Appearance of a coin's ability to reflect light; brilliance. Percentage of the original mint luster is one of the factors in determining grades of "Mint State" coins (e.g. MS-60, MS-65).