Is there a definitive grading guide for dummies ?
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The major grading companies each publish their grading standards although they don't always adhere to them :)
I have no use at all for the Sheldon scale, which is supposed to build on the European descriptive grading by assigning a numerical number. At first glance it makes sense - an average EF coin is given a 40 score. The scale runs from 1-70 with 1 being maybe a coin, maybe an old washer and 70 being an unblemished coin. Unfortunately the idea of assigning say a grade of 38 to a coin which was very close to being EF (or XF as the colonials call it) was never developed and all of the grades from 60 - 70 are "uncirculated". There can be a difference of several hundred $ between a MS63 and a MS65. I'm probably in a minority in US collecting circles but I find it all rather silly.
I prefer the European descriptive system, POOR, FAIR, G, VG, FINE, VERY FINE, EXTREMELY FINE and UNCIRCULATED. Many collectors use the "G" prefix to indicate a coin right at the top end of a grade, e.g. GVF or a + sign. I also like the mid grade AU, which is a coin which may have been lightly circulated but is too nice to be downgraded to EF.
There are picture grading guides published online but they mostly deal with the MS60-70 grades and they are not really useful. B A Seaby used to devote an entire section of their catalogue to grading and it's worthwhile picking up an older copy, the engravings are fantastic and it really is helpful.
Other than that, try looking up coins you are familiar with on Teletrade or Heritage. They have been graded by experts and it will give you a good feel for the lower grades. Ignore the "grades" on eBay, they are an absolute joke. Once you have become comfortable with grading the easier stuff then move onto the more difficult areas, zinc coins, Washington Quarters etc. If in doubt, err on the side of caution - nobody ever complains when they get an EF coin instead of a VF one.
Finally, don't be intimidated. There is always room for disagreement when grading coins and even professionals with decades of experience get it wrong sometimes. Aim for consistency and if there are any issues with the coin, note them alongside the grade. If anyone wishes to argue over a couple of Sheldon points then just smile and move on. 99.9% of collectors are very nice, honest and decent people - there is no need to deal with the anal retentives.
I hope this helps, I really do intend to publish a guide to grading UK copper 1837 - 1967 as I am now happily retired but I still don't seem to have any more time
I have no use at all for the Sheldon scale, which is supposed to build on the European descriptive grading by assigning a numerical number. At first glance it makes sense - an average EF coin is given a 40 score. The scale runs from 1-70 with 1 being maybe a coin, maybe an old washer and 70 being an unblemished coin. Unfortunately the idea of assigning say a grade of 38 to a coin which was very close to being EF (or XF as the colonials call it) was never developed and all of the grades from 60 - 70 are "uncirculated". There can be a difference of several hundred $ between a MS63 and a MS65. I'm probably in a minority in US collecting circles but I find it all rather silly.
I prefer the European descriptive system, POOR, FAIR, G, VG, FINE, VERY FINE, EXTREMELY FINE and UNCIRCULATED. Many collectors use the "G" prefix to indicate a coin right at the top end of a grade, e.g. GVF or a + sign. I also like the mid grade AU, which is a coin which may have been lightly circulated but is too nice to be downgraded to EF.
There are picture grading guides published online but they mostly deal with the MS60-70 grades and they are not really useful. B A Seaby used to devote an entire section of their catalogue to grading and it's worthwhile picking up an older copy, the engravings are fantastic and it really is helpful.
Other than that, try looking up coins you are familiar with on Teletrade or Heritage. They have been graded by experts and it will give you a good feel for the lower grades. Ignore the "grades" on eBay, they are an absolute joke. Once you have become comfortable with grading the easier stuff then move onto the more difficult areas, zinc coins, Washington Quarters etc. If in doubt, err on the side of caution - nobody ever complains when they get an EF coin instead of a VF one.
Finally, don't be intimidated. There is always room for disagreement when grading coins and even professionals with decades of experience get it wrong sometimes. Aim for consistency and if there are any issues with the coin, note them alongside the grade. If anyone wishes to argue over a couple of Sheldon points then just smile and move on. 99.9% of collectors are very nice, honest and decent people - there is no need to deal with the anal retentives.
I hope this helps, I really do intend to publish a guide to grading UK copper 1837 - 1967 as I am now happily retired but I still don't seem to have any more time
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
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