specific grading guidelines

[kuhli 0]

I would like to learn to grade British coins, and would like some advise on the finer points of them. To get a better idea, I think it would be best to discuss a single type of coin at a time, to get a more accurate feel of what to look for/at. What I am interested in is: what details do I need to see for a coin to be what grade?? for example, how much of the shield needs to be descernable to be considered F? how much of Edward VII's ear should be there to be VG?? I know that external factors like scratches, rim dings, bends, holes, etc will affect the grade, but what I want to know is how to grade based on wear (or lack thereof). Most of my British coins are not damaged, but I am somewhat clueless of how they would grade.

It is easy for you guys, because you know these coins, but for someone who isn't as familiar with the wear/weak points of them, what should I look for?

BTW, is there a book that may have this information? I have an old Charlton catalog of Canadian coins from the 1960's that gives excellent information on grading Canadian coins, and it has been an invaluable asset to me for many years.

[william 0]

BTW, is there a book that may have this information? I have an old Charlton catalog of Canadian coins from the 1960's that gives excellent information on grading Canadian coins, and it has been an invaluable asset to me for many years.

There is an interesting article on it in A Beginner's Guide to Coin collecting, which is very accurate.

[Chris Perkins 228]

Good idea Kuhli, some kind of guide to grading British Coin types is well overdue. It may be easier to go by monarch head than coin type though, as in many cases the head stays more constant than the tail, and many heads across the denominations also suffered the same striking problems.

[Emperor Oli 0]

I find Wybrit's site (aren't I waxing lyrical!) really good. For the head types, he's described the major points about them - where they wear the most etc. For some of them he even has a checklist for grading!

Wybrit's grading tips!

[kuhli 0]

I find Wybrit's site (aren't I waxing lyrical!) really good. For the head types, he's described the major points about them - where they wear the most etc. For some of them he even has a checklist for grading!

Wybrit's grading tips!

Thanks Oli!!

As many times as I have visited Wybrits' site over the last couple of years, I never noticed the grading page.

[Half Penny Jon 0]

He provides a very specific and easily understandable grading referance, but lets not forget Chris' excellent grading referance!

[Chris Perkins 228]

He provides a very specific and easily understandable grading referance, but lets not forget Chris' excellent grading referance!

Ahh, thank's mate!

Us honest coin dealer types have to work together and I have no problem with forum users refering to other sites that I know are very good.

I did talk with Wybrit once about creating a definitive guide to British coin grading. Now I have this book thing, perhaps a printed publication would be a super idea.

[Half Penny Jon 0]

It would be good to show examples of GF, GVF, and GEF instead of the 4 solitary main grades. That would help collectors grade their coins much easier.

[Emperor Oli 0]

I used Chris' grading as the cornerstone of my knowledge when I started out and found it very helpful! I find Wybrit's useful, but for a different reason. I like it because he explains in lots of detail, where to look for abrasions etc.

[wybrit 2]

Thanks for the feedback!

I would also appreciate input on making those pages better (I still have a lot to go when I'm not doing my day job).

The best thing would be a grading book so you can take it with you to shows. Websites have their limitations that way!