Coin Collecting Grading Terms

When it comes to coins, it is important to understand how to grade them correctly. The primary purpose of grading is to determine the market value of the coins. A coin’s condition is determined by the strike, the degree of preservation, and how much wear and tear has been incurred. Beginners should focus on the grade of their coins and use a 70-point scale. They should be careful when deciding which grade to assign to a coin.

While the term ‘Poor condition’ is used to describe coins with no visible features, a coin can still be considered a high-grade item. Poor condition coins, on the other hand, are extremely old and earn a “1” on the Sheldon scale. The American Numismatics Association and the major coin grading services have adopted this scale to describe coins. It is a good idea to learn about the different grading terms before attempting to grade your coin.

While a coin can be a high-grade or low-grade coin, a higher grade is not necessary. You can use a few simple coins grading terms to make sure you know the exact value of the coin before investing in it. It is also helpful to know how to distinguish between different types of coins, as different types have different grading standards. You should also understand how to use the Sheldon scale, which has been adopted by the ANA.