Coin Grading

[colliewalker1]

Another post on coin grading.

It seems to me that there are inconsistencies in grading coins - between sellers - and even between coins offered by the same seller!!

I am keen to find a George III or George IV Half Crown/Crown - I missed out on two half crowns offered recently by Chris - still displayed but marked as SOLD. These are dated 1816 and Graded AF both priced at £14.

I am very new to coin collecting but am I correct in thinking that these half crowns are in a VERY acceptable condition for the modest grading of AF. I have been unable to find comparitive value elsewhere

and what I have seen look poor value by comparison.

I am particularly impressed by the good condition of the reverse side 'coat of arms'which elsewhere usually fails to match the obverse

Is Chris being very modest in making these gradings - or is everybody else inflating their's?!!!

I know that Chris is away at the moment so he can't speak for himself - but members' views would be apprerciated.

[mint_mark]

Well, I suppose the general problem is that everyone grades a little (or a lot!) differently. Often it depends on whether a coin is yours or not and whether you are buying or selling

Personally, I would like a coin in F to still have all the major parts of the design and writing there with none of it worn so flat that it merges together.

Chris' 1816 is starting to flatten near the king's eye and on the right hand side of the garter belt on the reverse. So AF is spot on, for me.

Now, the 1817 is obviously better for wear. The laurel wreath and ear are still distict and everything is present on the reverse. But, the obverse has some scratches (in the field in front of the eye, below the eye and bottom of the neck), plus an edge bruise between dei and gratia. So, even if it's a nice F for wear these features detract a little and that's why it has been downgraded.

Some people would take F with a scratch and call it AF, others would call it F with a scratch and reduce the price. It depends on whther you consider grading as an overall shorthand for the condition and attractiveness of a coin, or as a technical measure of only circulation wear.

In the end, you have to decide. Personally I'd be happier saving up for a VF.

[colliewalker1]

Some people would take F with a scratch and call it AF, others would call it F with a scratch and reduce the price. It depends on whther you consider grading as an overall shorthand for the condition and attractiveness of a coin, or as a technical measure of only circulation wear.

You make a very interesting point here Mark.

Personally, I am less bothered by the odd mark here and there, or even an edge dent - than by overall surface wear: the former do little to detract from the detail whereas surface wear does.One person's F may be another's F+/VF.....

This underlines the importance of the seller providing a photo - if the buyer relies on the seller's opinion of the grading which should apply, there are still question marks over the purchase.