Grading help

[Guest irish79]

I am looking at this 1887 Shilling and the dealer has it as UNC. In evaluating the images I notice that some of the detail that is shown in the Grading British Coins is not present but from looking at some other coins I gather for instance that the medal on her shoulder does not have the detail on the shilling as it does on other coins such as the half crown. Would you agree that this coin is in UNC condition? Thank you for your help.

[Nick]

I am looking at this 1887 Shilling and the dealer has it as UNC. In evaluating the images I notice that some of the detail that is shown in the Grading British Coins is not present but from looking at some other coins I gather for instance that the medal on her shoulder does not have the detail on the shilling as it does on other coins such as the half crown. Would you agree that this coin is in UNC condition? Thank you for your help.

It's difficult to be certain from looking at the pictures, but I think I would be happy with that coin.

[Peter]

I am looking at this 1887 Shilling and the dealer has it as UNC. In evaluating the images I notice that some of the detail that is shown in the Grading British Coins is not present but from looking at some other coins I gather for instance that the medal on her shoulder does not have the detail on the shilling as it does on other coins such as the half crown. Would you agree that this coin is in UNC condition? Thank you for your help.

It's difficult to be certain from looking at the pictures, but I think I would be happy with that coin.

Doesn't appear to be circulated although not a strong strike.

It a very,very common coin and worth only about £7 to £10 in EF.I would go for a better one.

[Peckris]

I am looking at this 1887 Shilling and the dealer has it as UNC. In evaluating the images I notice that some of the detail that is shown in the Grading British Coins is not present but from looking at some other coins I gather for instance that the medal on her shoulder does not have the detail on the shilling as it does on other coins such as the half crown. Would you agree that this coin is in UNC condition? Thank you for your help.

It's a difficult one. What you have to remember when grading, is that there is a great difference between a new die and one that is near the end of its life. An EF from a new die will show as much detail (perhaps even more) as an UNC from a wearing die. I personally would grade that one as EF from minor flattening on the obverse, but it's not an easy one, for sure.

As advised, that particular coin - along with the sixpence - is without question the commonest silver coin before 1936. You should go for a really good specimen.

[VickySilver]

Rims look good, mild chatter about the cheek and brow. American standards MS62, GEF on the RIght side of the Pond. Probably mainly bag marks.

I have found the rims very good to look at, esp. the outside edge for any contact and how smooth is it for marks across it. The vulnerable areas were described. As per usual the reverse is relatively proof-like with field mirroring and a bit of detail contrast.