A coin’s grade reflects more than the amount of obvious wear. Graders consider how the coin was made, what happened during circulation and how it has been stored since.
Main factors
- Wear: flattening or loss of detail on raised areas.
- Strike: weak original detail should not automatically be mistaken for wear.
- Marks: contact marks, scratches and rim knocks affect the assessment.
- Lustre: remaining original mint lustre can help distinguish lightly worn coins.
- Surface condition: cleaning, polishing, corrosion, tooling and repairs matter.
- Eye appeal: colour, toning and visual balance influence the overall judgement.
Handle coins carefully
Hold a coin by its edge over a soft surface and avoid wiping it. Even a soft cloth can leave fine lines that reduce its appeal and grade. Store coins in suitable inert holders away from moisture and rapid temperature changes.