Can I pass my grading exam...pt. 2

[Weaver 41]

Ok...I've swotted up on the book and ready for another go at my grading exam

Here is my fave GB coin - GV 1915 Halfcrown which has gone almost black with an amazing rainbow like patina.

Rev...NEF

Am i close?...

[Weaver 41]

obv...VF

[bhx7 222]

I would have thought near good Fine to near VF. Don't think near EF at all, although I don't have it in hand. The mustache seems well defined so maybe better in hand and the photo does not do it justice. I am no expert and am learning all the time. Sure someone will be along soon to give a better grading.

[Weaver 41]

Thanks bhx7.

I'm not sure my photos are good enough really...

The obv definitely seems more worn that the rev IMO.

TBH, I would be happy with an overall VF

[Nonmortuus 900]

Weaver try to get EF+ where possible, especially on common dates like 1915 Halfcrown. For £30 to £50 you could pick up a really nice example!

[Nonmortuus 900]

This is mine but I want to upgrade it at some point:

[Nonmortuus 900]

I would really recommend the guide to grading book if you dont already have it and if you are lucky you can pick up some bargins with George V Halfcrowns.

[Weaver 41]

Thanks Non, I have got the book with me, and thought I had graded my 1915 ok at VF but not so sure now

Your one looks amazing!

What grade is that Non?

[PWA 1967 2,135]

Think you might end up like me Weaver and not pass any exam 

[Weaver 41]

 Love it !!

[Nonmortuus 900]

2 minutes ago, Weaver said:

What grade is that Non?

I would say probably EF, maybe gEF. There is some wear on the upper ear and on the tash. Others may disagree

[Weaver 41]

Thanks Non,

I am beginning to realise that my entire collection is likely to be low grade

If you guys & gals don't mind, can I post up the very best of my collection that I think are good grades so you can check with me?

I have the book but always good to check with you all.

[Nonmortuus 900]

I am sure everyone would love to see what you have and Weaver, don't be disheartened. I only started collecting last July and still make plenty of mistakes but most of the people on here are more than willing to help, offer advice and point me/you in the right direction.

[Paulus 1,975]

9 minutes ago, Weaver said:

Thanks Non,

I am beginning to realise that my entire collection is likely to be low grade

If you guys & gals don't mind, can I post up the very best of my collection that I think are good grades so you can check with me?

I have the book but always good to check with you all.

Please do! Be glad to give an opinion on any, as would many of us.

I for one don't know much/anything about world coins however ...

Your photos will be better if taken with the coins out of the flips

Overall GF on your 1915 halfcrown imo (from those pics)

 

Edited March 22, 2016 by Paulus

[Weaver 41]

Thanks Paulus,

You are correct about the photos! The mylar has reflected badly so doesn't make true grading very easy i admit.

GF is ok I guess

Oh man....and that's the best halfcrown in the collection....it's bullion time people

[Charlie 8]

Weaver, I'd probably say around good Fine.  The reverse is better than obverse. If you look at the obverse, there is a lot of wear to the ear and the side of the face appears quite flat. The reverse, note the wear of the letters in the garter at 9 and 3 oclock and general wear to the four sections of the shield. 

Please don't be disheartened, feel free to post more.  It all comes with practice. 

[Weaver 41]

Thanks Charlie.

I agree with you as the reverse is a whole grade or more better than the obv which lets it down sadly.

I expect most dealers and experienced collectors experience my situation all the time right? A newbie like myself comes along thinking they have a nice collection, only to realise that virtually every coin is low grade.

Thanks for the encouragement my friend. I won't get too down...my plan is to set aside the silver coins from the collection and check the remaining for any rarities and then bulk sell on Ebay. Hopefully with a few 99ps in my pocket I will then start afresh and find a reputable dealer to work with and build up a proper collection.

[mrbadexample 1,006]

1 hour ago, Weaver said:

I expect most dealers and experienced collectors experience my situation all the time right? A newbie like myself comes along thinking they have a nice collection, only to realise that virtually every coin is low grade.

Since I joined this forum at the beginning of February, I've pretty much dropped a grade across my whole collection.  I didn't think I was generous either, but they're mostly pretty mean on here. "Oh look at all that wear where the wind's blown across the obverse".

It does get you to be realistic, and to have higher expectations. Which is a good thing, I think.

 

[secret santa 2,325]

As well as the excellent photos in the Guide to Grading book, there is a really useful list of descriptions on page 5 where it gives estimates of years that a coin will have been in circulation to be a particular grade. For example, an EF coin will, on average, have been in circulation for about 1 year whereas a Fine coin could have been around for 30 years or so. Your coin would seem to fit the 5 years of circulation that describes VF . By picking coins out of your change, you should be able to get a good feel for wear as there will be decimal coins in your pocket up to 45 years old, and there should be a good range from F to Aunc.

[Weaver 41]

I totally agree!

I have realised that there are collectors and there are hoarders!

I want to aspire to the former in the future...

[Weaver 41]

1 minute ago, secret santa said:

As well as the excellent photos in the Guide to Grading book, there is a really useful list of descriptions on page 5 where it gives estimates of years that a coin will have been in circulation to be a particular grade. For example, an EF coin will, on average, have been in circulation for about 1 year whereas a Fine coin could have been around for 30 years or so. Your coin would seem to fit the 5 years of circulation that describes VF . By picking coins out of your change, you should be able to get a good feel for wear as there will be decimal coins in your pocket up to 45 years old, and there should be a good range from F to Aunc.

Thanks ss and in fact I have just this minute read that section!

From the description and the photos of the halfcrown in the book, led me to my initial estimate but I am happy if the consensus is NVF.

As long as it's not another junk coin!

[Charlie 8]

1 hour ago, Weaver said:

I expect most dealers and experienced collectors experience my situation all the time right? A newbie like myself comes along thinking they have a nice collection, only to realise that virtually every coin is low grade.

I had the same when I started out. I had a largish hoard from my grandfather which I picked out coins to start my own collection, over the years I've upgraded. My daughter pulled out the old tin this morning and they're god awful... all fair to fine at best. It's amazing how your perspective changes with experience.  

[Weaver 41]

So how many coins you talking about Charlie? And what will you do with them in the future?...

[Charlie 8]

At a guess I'd say 6-700, they're in a tin under my bed separate to my main collection.  Inevitably they'll  remain there,  I havnt got the heart to get rid of them, I should think he'd been picking them out of change for years. 

[Weaver 41]

Sounds like my collection.

My Grandfather was stationed in Sweden during the war and 'collected' as many Ore coins as he could.

But then...the collection just grew and grew! lol.

I need to sell most of my collection because I am running out of space and would rather own a small collection of high grade coins than a suitcase full of worn coins.