PhotoGrade...Victoria Bronze

[RLC35]

Can anyone suggest a good grading guide, with photo's for Victorian Bronze conage. I see a lot of written explainations, but they leave a lot to personal interpretation. Even some suggested tips would be helpful for higher grades (VF and up).

I have heard that you should look for "no flattening" of the fingers around the trident, as a way of determining EF. I have also heard of the need for the leaves in the wreath having all veins apparant. Any comments?

Thanks,

Bob C.

[Peter]

There are no hard and fast rules as with US coins (ie all letters of LIBERTY clear etc.)

If a coin is Unc it will have no wear.

The fingers around the trident are a high point which tend to wear first.(as do Britannias cheeks..on her face!!!)

Minor bag knocks and you can still call Unc technically...anything less and A/Unc or GEF may apply.

It is worth remembering GVF should show only minor wear and when I buy from trusted dealers this is what I expect and usually get.

I try not to generalise but the majority of grading on Ebay is way too generous (F coins described as EF by one particular dealer)

Try this site for a reasonable grading guide with a few pictures...

The only other ones I know of for British coins are approx 2 pages and a few pictures in coin yearbooks.

[Gary D]

What you need is a copy of, Picture Guide to Coin Condition by Burton Hobson. Mind you, I've no idea where you will find one. So perhaps not so helpfull.

Edited November 6, 2006 by Gary D

[Chingford]

What you need is a copy of, Picture Guide to Coin Condition by Burton Hobson. Mind you, I've no idea where you will find one. So perhaps not so helpfull.

An author search at Abebooks.com with a keyword from the title should bring up any avaliable listings.

John

[Gary]

I have on my homepage, a small picture guide, not brilliant and it is in german but you dont need to be fluent in german to look at the pictures. The problem with pictures is that they are only 2 dimensional and lack depth. If you are new to the game than it is always advicable to buy coins from a good Dealer, study them and the grades given first hand. This way you get a feel for grading. I am sure that the members of this forum can recommend some good dealers.

wybritt also has a nice homepage, in english. You may find something helpfull here.

[RLC35]

There are no hard and fast rules as with US coins (ie all letters of LIBERTY clear etc.)

If a coin is Unc it will have no wear.

The fingers around the trident are a high point which tend to wear first.(as do Britannias cheeks..on her face!!!)

Minor bag knocks and you can still call Unc technically...anything less and A/Unc or GEF may apply.

It is worth remembering GVF should show only minor wear and when I buy from trusted dealers this is what I expect and usually get.

I try not to generalise but the majority of grading on Ebay is way too generous (F coins described as EF by one particular dealer)

Try this site for a reasonable grading guide with a few pictures...

The only other ones I know of for British coins are approx 2 pages and a few pictures in coin yearbooks.

Peter,

Thanks for the reply. I think the biggest differance in American and English grading is above the grade of Fine. There is a big difference in VF-EF-and AU. I agree with you about ebay...when I look at coins there, I pay no attention to the seller's grade, as it is seldom even close to reality. I try to decide on my own what the grade is and what the coin is worth based on my own observation.

Regards,

Bob C.

What you need is a copy of, Picture Guide to Coin Condition by Burton Hobson. Mind you, I've no idea where you will find one. So perhaps not so helpfull.

Hi Gary,

I will give that one a try. Who knows, someone might still have one for sale.

Regards,

Bob C.

What you need is a copy of, Picture Guide to Coin Condition by Burton Hobson. Mind you, I've no idea where you will find one. So perhaps not so helpfull.

An author search at Abebooks.com with a keyword from the title should bring up any avaliable listings.

John

John,

That was a great lead! That location has everything, even Michael Freeman, and Wilson Peck books. I appreciate the response.

Bob C.

I have on my homepage, a small picture guide, not brilliant and it is in german but you dont need to be fluent in german to look at the pictures. The problem with pictures is that they are only 2 dimensional and lack depth. If you are new to the game than it is always advicable to buy coins from a good Dealer, study them and the grades given first hand. This way you get a feel for grading. I am sure that the members of this forum can recommend some good dealers.

wybritt also has a nice homepage, in english. You may find something helpfull here.

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the URL. I have been to your site before, but didn't see the picture guide...it is very good.

I am not a novice collector, although with my questions, you might think that <gggg>. I have been collecting American, British, Australian and Irish coins for almost 50 years. I have never tried to find a definative grading guide for British, and Australian coins however, but have always wanted one. Thanks very much for your reply and your help.

Regards,

Bob C.

[Gary D]

Amazon has a couple of copies at approx £6.50 each. Just do a search for Burton Hobson

Gary D

[RLC35]

Amazon has a couple of copies at approx £6.50 each. Just do a search for Burton Hobson

Gary D

Gary,

You won't believe this, but I found one in Chicago for $2.00! With shipping it will be $6.50. Thanks for the information.

Bob C.