Coin Grading

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Gold, Gold Bullion, Gold Coins


 When I was growing up with my dad collecting coins, he was always talking about the luster, Strike, and appeal. I was About 8 Years old. I had know clue what he was talking about. But the more i listened the more i learned.
Coins were a lot more complicated then I ever could image.

First we must know every coin has three sides -obverse, reverse and the edge. All must be examined carefully.

The Obverse is the head side of the coin. The number of coin marks as well as where they are placed is a significant element in establishing the grade.Any marks on the Facial part of the portered is defiantly noticeable and will down grade the coin.

The reserve of the coin is the tail part or back of the coin. Any scratches
here will not effect the grading as much as the obverse. Striking the coin is the method of stamping an imprecision on the coin. Depending on the coin’s design, it can either have weak or strong strike. Generally the strike is not a key factor in establishing the coin’s grade except when it is included in a series where the value is connected to strike.
The edge or rim of the coin can be extremely help full in telling if a coin is counterfeit or not. Each coin as a specified detailing around the rim. Each coin has it special rim edging. If the rim looks split or not consistent of it's known striking,  we start to look for a altered or counterfeit coin. I have written many blogs on counterfeit coins if you want to know more. The real content in this blog is on grading coins and I do not
want to steer off track.
luster.
As coin collectors become knowledgeable, most of them are attracted and fascinated to coins having their natural color. In most coin series, it is nearly impossible to discover original coin pieces. When talking about luster we are talking about the surfaces original appearance when it came of the press. Today with all the dipping and harsh cleaning of coins, it is very hard and an art to pick coins with natural luster. Eye attraction or appeal mixed with color, luster, strike and surface marks come together, note that a coin having superior “eye appeal” can be strong in one aspect, such as possessing exceptional luster but not quite as strong in another aspect, such as not so good color. Knowing coins being a metal, over the course of time and the elements of storing the coin, it can create a beautiful rainbow of colors, which is attractive. Most coin collector want a clear white coin steer clear of the toned coin. I love originally toned coins and know this is a natural chemical reaction and doesn't effect the grading of a coin. Most real serious collector will pay a premium for them. Knowing how to grade a coin is very important so that one can have an idea of the value or price of the coin that he is buying or selling.

How to Grade Your Coins
Now that we know the focal points of a coin we can grade a coin by the information about it and study them. Grading can be learned, studied and applied with a predictable and known outcome that eventually depends on judgment.
Like any language, science, sport, or research, it is best to learn and understand coin grading one component at a time, through serious study and experience.
A coin can have a variation of textures on the surface, influenced by design. Coins can have textures which  are frosty, roof, Proof like, Mint State un circulated, circulated. A coin in Mint State is free of abrasion and wear and must not have significant breaks in its surface or wear spots.
To days day and age almost all coin collector send their coins out to be graded and encapsulated by Professional grading companies. PCGS & NGC.
They use the “Sheldon grading scale” in determination of the grade. I strongly recommend all new coin collector to buy graded coins by these grading company so you know what you are really getting. This and with studying of the coin you can then get the feel of grade them yourself.