Coin collection is not just about having as many coins as you can. More important than the number of characters is the quality of those characters. This quality is measured by the coin range, and the distance is measured using a scale from zero to seventy (seventy is the highest score range). Dr. William Shelby presents this scoring scale in his work “Penny Whimsy”.
Coin grading is far from easy as it remains a subjective area, where opinions vary, and there is no scientific or factual scale on which to base a grading.
Just to confuse matters even further, almost every country has its own language to explain their various coin grades.
Grading issues have caused disputes since the practice began - and will no doubt continue to do so in the future. Fortunately, there is some degree of professional consensus amongst coin collectors and dealers regarding coin grading. But it still remains the most controversial, and most important, area of collecting.
Often referred to as an art form by numismatists, coin grading requires a lot of attention and a keen eye for detail acquired by looking at many coins over a number of years.
Having amassed the necessary experience to grade accurately, numismatists tend to specialize in specific coin types or eras, each having a different grading standard.
Here at Warwick & Warwick, our experienced experts strive to provide accurate and reliable tradings for any coins we value. The information outlined below has been compiled to explain current UK coin grading practices that are used when valuing British coins, and to assist if you want to learn how to grade coins yourself.
Please remember, the information contained in this coin grading guide is for guidance only. If you need an accurate coin valuation, please get in touch or seek independent professional advice.
Here are the categories of money by level.
1. "Mint State" coins.
This equates to a value of 60 to 70 on the Shelby range. This means that the coin is flawless. Most of the coins in this category are unused, shiny, new, with no signs of aging.
2. Coins “Almost Indestructible”
Coins "Almost Round" have a point range of 50, 55, or 58.
It is very important to note that for these coins, collectors of coins should know the places of the highest points in a particular currency. By examining the difference in light that is visible at higher altitudes in other parts of the coin, the "Almost Round" coin is separated from Mint State coins.
3. “Good coins”
These can also be categorized as “Extremely Fine” (40, 45), “Very” (20, 25, 30, and 35) or “Fine” (12) depending on the sharpness of the remaining coins. Coins are considered obsolete, but designs are still intact.
With the "Best" coins, mint luster still exists.
The “Best” coins can be compared to the coins used for 1-3 years. The smaller features of the coins are already gone.
4. "Good coins"
These coins can be specifically described as "Very Good" (12), "Good" and "Almost Good".
Coins in this category are worn out. Only weak designs can be seen, as the details of the coins at high altitudes are almost smooth.
Full rims should be noted in the “Very Good” coin category.
In the case of "Good" coins, the mint and date mark should appear.
On the other hand, the "Almost Good" coins are the most worn coins in this category.
5. “Coins”
Coins are "old", but can still be classified as one of the coin types - as long as one is able to identify the coin, it is "Fair C".
6. “Basal Coin”
These coins can be classified as coins - but the type of coin cannot be measured.
With defined categories, it will be much easier to measure coins. Just remember that coin marking information offers the benefits of coin collectors!
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