Condition of coins
When conducting a grading on a coin, several things has to be remembered. Some coins never get worn because of the metal alloy while others look worn out in a few decades. Also environment wears the coins and even it's owners too. It is common to see the same type of coins getting worn out in the same way. If you look at the zinc coins, the get a dark surface after a few years due to chemical processes, while coppernickel looks fine for several decades. The longer you have been collecting and the more coins you have had between your hands, the better a grading gets.
The danish numismatist FROVIN SIEG is famous for his coin catalog on Nordic coins and these catalogs are the ones often used to look for coin values in, by danish collectores.
Grading varies from country to country, and in order to compare some of the most common gradings an extract from Krauses World Grading is shown below.
Source: Krause 2000
|
U.S |
Denmark |
Finland |
France |
Germany |
Italy |
Norway |
Netherland |
Portugal |
Spain |
Sweden |
|
| Proof | A | M/S | 00 | FB Flan Bruni | PP Polierte Platte | FS Fondo Specchio | M | Proef | - | Prueba | Polerad |
| Mint State | MS | M/0 | |||||||||
| Perfect Uncirculated | MS-70 | ||||||||||
| Choice Uncirculated | MS-65 | 0/M | |||||||||
| Uncirculated | MS-60 | 0 | 0 | FDC Fleur de Coin |
STG Stempel- glantz |
FDC Fior di Conio | 0 | FDC Fleur de Coin | Soerba | SC | 0 |
| Choice about Uncirculated | AU-55 | 0/01 | |||||||||
| About Uncirculated | AU-50 | ||||||||||
| Choice Extremely Fine | EF-45 | 01/0 | |||||||||
| Extremely Fine | Ef-40 | 01 | 01 | SUP Superbe | VZ Verzüglich | SPL Splendido | 01 | Pr. Prachtig | Bela | EBC | 01 |
| Choice Very Fine | VF-30 | ||||||||||
| Very Fine | VF-20 | 1+ | 1+ | TTB Très Très beau | SS Sehr Schön | BB Bellissimo | 1+ | Z.f. Zeer Fraai | MBC | MBC | 1+ |
| Fine | F-12 | 1 | 1 | TB Très bèau | S Schön | MB Molto Bello | 1 | Fr. Fraai | BC | BC+ | 1 |
| Very Good | VG-8 | 1- | 1? | B Beau | S.G.E Sehr gut erhalten | B Bello | 1- | Z.g. Zeer goed | MREG | BC | 1- |
| Good | G-4 | 2 | 2 | TBC Très Bien Conservée | G.E. Gut erhalten | M | 2 | G | REG | RC | 2 |
| Poor | AG-3 | 3 | 3 | BC Bien Conservée | Gering erhalten | - | 3 | - | MC | MC | - |
Below is a small extract of essential elements of the A.N.A. (American Numismatic Association) grading system.
A
Proof
A specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail and usually with a brilliant mirrorlike surface. Proof refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition, but normally the term implies perfect mint state unless otherwise noted and graded as below.
MS
Mint State
The terms Mint State (MS) and Uncirculated (Unc.) are interchangeably used to describe coins showing no trace of wear. Such coins may vary to some degree because of blemishes, toning or slight imperfections as described in the following subdivisions.
MS-70
Perfect Uncirculated
Perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The finest quality possible, with no evidence of scratches, handling or contact with other coins. Very few regular issued coins are ever found in this condition.
MS-65
Choice Uncirculated
An above average Uncirculated coin which may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on the surface or rim. MS-67 through MS-62 indicate a slightly higher or lower grade of preservation.
MS-60
Uncirculated
Has no trace of wear but may show a number of contact marks, and surface may be spotted or lack some luster.
AU-55
Choice About Uncirculated
Barest evidence of light wear on only the higest points of the design. Most of the mint luster remains.
EF-45
Choice Extremely Fine
Light overall wear shows on highest points. All design details are very sharp. Some of the mint luster is evident.
EF-40
Extremely Fine
Design is lightly worn throughout, but all features are sharp and well defined. Traces of luster may show.
VF-30
Choice Very Fine
Light even wear on the surface and highest parts of the design. All lettering and major features are sharp.
VF-20
Very Fine
Shows moderate on high points of design. All major details are clear.
F-12
Fine
Moderate to considerable even wear. Entire design is bold with overall pleasing appearance.
VG-8
Very Good
Well worn with main features clear and bold although rather flat.
G-4
Good
Heavily worn with design visible but faint in areas. Many details are flat.
AG-3
About Good
Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date and legends worn smooth. The date may be barely readable.
