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