The value of collectible coins is largely determined by their safety. Any coins in the process of circulation are subject to wear and tear, and the older the coin, the more wear affects its condition. Experts know that even a seemingly small difference in the condition of coins can result in a significant difference in their price. Therefore, assessing the condition of coins is an important task.
Instructions
Step 1
Study the standards for assessing the condition of coins issued in a particular country at different times. Such standards are usually fairly well detailed. However, despite the standardization of assessments, the opinions of qualified specialists regarding the condition of a particular coin can be very different.
Step 2
Explore current coin grading systems. The catalogs of many online stores contain the so-called "international system" of assessment, which is the most well-established and widespread.
Step 3
Another system, developed by William Sheldon, is widely used in North America and is more advanced thanks to a seventy-point rating scale. Sheldon's system allows for a more detailed determination of the state of the coin and leaves less room for subjectivity.
Step 4
The third system (Russian) is rather fuzzy and conditional. It uses subjective ratings: excellent, almost excellent, excellent, almost excellent, and so on. It is useful for a novice collector to begin mastering the skill of evaluating coins from the international system, and only then, as experience is accumulated, to move to the Sheldonian system.
Step 5
You will be able to evaluate coins minted using the improved technology by the mirror shine of the surface, as well as the sharply drawn details of the drawing. These coins are usually intended specifically for collecting and are in excellent condition.
Step 6
When assessing the condition of a coin using any of the above systems, pay attention, first of all, to its wear. The less abrasion, the better the condition of the specimen. Evaluation of coin surface wear begins with an assessment of the most vulnerable points of the coin face. The more small details a coin contains, the safer it is. In doing so, you will have to learn to distinguish between wear and tear from an embossing defect.
Step 7
The main recommendation for those who decided to understand the peculiarities of assessing the condition of coins - practice inspection of coins and consultations with experts. The more coins go through your hands, the more accurate your estimates will be.
