Numismatics is a difficult and exciting hobby that has occupied people for many years, and there are still many connoisseurs of old and disused coins from different countries. It is not enough to simply find an old coin to put it into a collection - a coin requires evaluation and analysis. In this article, we will explain how to properly evaluate a coin and what criteria distinguish one coin from another.
Instructions
Step 1
When assessing the condition of coins, first of all, you need to look at the degree of its wear, since the safety of a coin is a determining factor for its collection value. Well-preserved old coins have a high collection value, as they are much more difficult to find. There is an international coin grading system, and you can apply the characteristics and criteria of this system to your coins.
Step 2
See how severe the wear is on your coin. If the wear is strong, the coin has less collectible value, in contrast to the coin, the relief of which has been preserved in the clearest and most intact form.
Step 3
There are also coins that have never been in circulation - they are defined by the term Uncirculated. If you have such coins, then in order to fit into their category, the coins should not have any surface defects at all.
Step 4
A coin that has not been in circulation should not be worn or scratched, and even high points of relief should be in perfect condition, and the coin itself should shine. Only coins with minimal wear and tear can qualify for this category.
Step 5
If your coin has been in circulation but still looks good, it may be classified as Extremely Fine. Light abrasions at high relief points are acceptable for such coins, and they retain the stamp shine.
Step 6
If the coin has significant wear, which affected not only the relief, but also other areas, then the coin belongs to the Very Fine category. At the same time, despite the worn relief, the pattern on the coin should remain clear, and the letters and numbers should be easy to read.
Step 7
Coins with an even lower degree of preservation, in which it is difficult to distinguish small details, but, nevertheless, the main elements and inscriptions of which are easily distinguishable, belong to the Fine category. Such coins show wear of the protective rim, and there is no stamp gloss.
Step 8
Coins with even greater wear are classified as Very Good, while coins with the rim almost entirely worn out and small details are indistinguishable are classified as Good.
Step 9
Also, to evaluate and distinguish coins, it is important to determine the quality of the minting - coins minted with defects or defects are worth less than coins with good minting.
