“Coin Grading”; Robert A. Izydore, Raleigh Coin Club Newsletter, November 16, 1991. The Minting Process Round planchets are punched out of a strip of the coining metal. A machine puts the rim on the planchets. The planchets are washed. The planchets are struck by dies which give them their designs. The struck coins are dumped into a bin (wear begins), placed in bags, and transferred to a storage vault until called for by banks. Coin grades Numerical grading is generally used. This method was devised by Dr. William H. Sheldon in 1949 for the grading of U. S. large cents. poor-1: The coin is worn so smooth that it is barely identifiable. fair-2: The coin is very worn but some letters or numerals are visible. about good, AG-3: The coin is well worn, but the date and mint mark is visible. good, G-4: All the major lettering and basic features are visible. very good, VG-8: Some of the design features are present. fine, F-12: All the major design features are generally present. very fine, VF-20 and VF-30: Some of the more intricate designs are noticeable. extremely fine, EF-40 and EF-45: Almost all the details are clearly visible. about uncirculated, AU-50, AU-55, AU-58: Only the slightest trace of wear is visible. uncirculated, MS-60 to MS-70 The coin has never circulated and shows no wear. The exact numerical grade depends on the number of nicks, marks, and scuffs that are present as well as the quality of the strike and eye appeal. Coin Grading Books "Photograde" by James F. Ruddy, Bowers and Merena Galleries, Inc., 1988. "Official A.N .A. Grading Standards for United States Coins, American Numismatic Association, 31rd edition, 1987. |
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