About Collecting Grade Coins

 more coins.  More important than the number of coins is the quality of these coins.  This quality is measured by the grade of the coin, and grades are measured using a scale from zero to seventy. Dr. William Shelby introduced this point scale in his book "Penny Whimsy."

  1. "Mint State" coins.

  This equates to 60 to 70 on the Shelby scale.  This means that the coin has no flaws.  Most coins in this category are uncirculated, shiny, new coins with no signs of wear.

  2. "Almost Uncirculated" Coins

  "Nearly uncirculated" coins have a point grade of 50, 55 or 58.

  It is very important to note that with these coins, coin collectors must know the location of the highest points on a particular coin.  "Nearly uncirculated" coins are distinguished from mint state coins by examining the difference in lightness at the elevation of other parts of the coin.

  3. "Fine Coins"

  Depending on the fineness of the details remaining on the coins, they may be graded as 'Very Fine' (40, 45), 'Very Fine' (20, 25, 30 and 35) or 'Fine' (12).  .  The coins have seen wear, but the designs are still intact.

  Mint luster still present on "Very Fine" coins.

  "Very Fine" coins can be compared to coins that have been in use for 1-3 years.  The small features of the coins are already gone.

  4. "Good Coins"

  These coins can be specifically described as "very fine" (12), "good" and "near fine".

  Coins are worn in this category.  Only faint artifacts are visible because the details of the coins at high altitudes are almost smooth.

  On the other hand, "near fine" coins are the most worn coins in this category.

  5. "Fair Coins"

  Coins are 'worn' but still identifiable as one of the coin types - if the coin can be identified it is 'Fair See'.

  6. "Basel Coin"

  Metals that can be identified as coins - but the type of coins cannot be determined.

  With the classification described, sorting coins will become much easier.