| Coin collection is not synonymous with | | | | The designs on the coins are still intact but |
| possessing as many coins as possible. What is | | | | the coins nevertheless show signs of wear n |
| important is the quality of the coins rather | | | | tear. The mint luster is intact in ETREMELY |
| than the quantity of them. The coin's grade | | | | FINE coins. Very FINE coins resemble coins |
| is the yardstick to measure its quality. You | | | | which have been in circulation for 1 to 3 |
| can measure the grade by using a scale ranged | | | | years, with their minor features worn down by |
| between 0 to 70 which is the highest point | | | | use. |
| grade. This point scale was introduced by | | | | |
| Doctor William Shelby in his work "Penny | | | | 4. Good coins: |
| Whimsy". The classifications of coins | | | | |
| according to grade are as follows: | | | | This category can be further sub-divided into |
| | | | Almost GOOD, GOOD and VERY GOOD (12). THESE |
| 1. Coins in "Mint State": | | | | coins HAVE BEEN ALMOST completely WORN DOWN |
| | | | BY USE. THE DETAILS IN THE HIGH POINTS HAVE |
| According to Shelby's grade scale, this is | | | | BEEN RENDERED nearly smooth and only weak |
| equivalent to a value of 60 to 70. In other | | | | designs can be observed. The VERY GOOD coins |
| words, the coins are blemish free. Majority | | | | show full rims. The mint mark and the date |
| of the coins of this type are new, shiny, | | | | must be visible in case of GOOD coins. The |
| uncirculated with absolutely no signs of wear | | | | ALMOST GOOD coins are the most worn out ones. |
| n tear. | | | | |
| | | | 5. Fair coins: |
| 2. Coins which are almost uncirculated: | | | | |
| | | | Any coin that can be identified is a FAIR C. |
| The point grade for these types of coins | | | | Although worn out, they can still be |
| varies between 50, 55 or 58. It is very | | | | distinguished as belonging to some or the |
| important for the coin collectors to be aware | | | | other variety/type of coins. |
| of the locations of the high points in a | | | | |
| specific coin. An almost uncirculated coin is | | | | 6. Basal coin: |
| separated from the mint state coins by | | | | |
| comparing the difference of the light | | | | In this particular variety, the metals of |
| reflected in other parts of the coin to the | | | | which the coins are made can be |
| high points. | | | | distinguished, but the kind of coins cannot |
| | | | be determined. |
| 3. Fine coins: | | | | |
| | | | Armed with the knowledge of classification |
| Depending on the sharpness of the remaining | | | | and grades of coins, you will find it easy to |
| details on the coins, fine coins can further | | | | grade a coin which is a great advantage while |
| be classified into FINE (12), VERY FINE (20, | | | | collecting them. |
| 25, 30 AND 35) OR EXTREMELY FINE (40, 45). | | | | |