Coin Grading Services

Grading services will grade coins and place them in a labeled, air-tight plastic holder.

Two highly respected grading services are the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading service (PCGS). Damage of any sort (e.g. holes, edge dents, repairs, cleaning, re-engraving or gouges) can substantially reduce the value of a coin. Specimens are occasionally cleaned or polished in an attempt to pass them off as higher grades or as uncirculated strikes. Because of the substantially lower prices for cleaned or damaged coins, some specialize in their collection.

 

Grading Categories (from Wikipedia)

(from Wikipedia)

Mint State (MS) 60–70: Uncirculated

About/Almost Uncirculated (AU) 50, 53, 55, 58

Extremely Fine (XF or EF) 40, 45

Very Fine (VF) 20, 25, 30, 35

Fine (F) 12, 15

Very Good (VG) 8, 10

Good (G) 4, 6

About Good (AG) 3

Fair (FA, FR) 2

Poor (PR, PO) 1

 

Proper Evaluation

When evaluating whether to buy a coin, it is important to develop a system for finding the best coin for the type you are looking to buy. As good system to use is to follow the following steps: 1) determine whether the coin has superb eye appeal; 2) check the rim for dents; 3) examine the surface of the coin for unsightly scratches or other blemishes; 4) determine whether the coin has nice luster; 5) determine whether the coin has nice toning; 6) determine whether the coin has full details. If the coin meets these requirements, you have found a good coin to purchase.

places that grade coins or grading servises, and