Grading help

[Guest irish79]

Hello, I received some images from a dealer of a 1898 half sovereign and would like your opinions on its grade. It is graded by the dealer as Choice EF+. The images are not the best so its hard to make out some of the fine detail. I reviewed the Grading British Coins book and from what I can tell it would be at least a EF in my mind. Any other opinions? Would this be correctly Choice EF+? There is what looks like a small scratch on her vail, far right, center edge - i assume this is a bag mark? Lastly, do gold coins from this period normally have a muted gold color or should they have a bright yellow gold color?

Many thanks,

David

[Red Riley 2]

It is, as you say a very poor image. From what I can see, there may be a little wear on the hairline which should really preclude it from being EF but, as I said a pretty awful image. If you really want it, you may have to take it on trust but don't be afraid to send it back if it doesn't come up to expectations.

Not really a gold expert but have seen them varying shades. I suspect that once again this is the dodgy photograph though.

Edited July 31, 2012 by Red Riley

[Peter 615]

Hello, I received some images from a dealer of a 1898 half sovereign and would like your opinions on its grade. It is graded by the dealer as Choice EF+. The images are not the best so its hard to make out some of the fine detail. I reviewed the Grading British Coins book and from what I can tell it would be at least a EF in my mind. Any other opinions? Would this be correctly Choice EF+? There is what looks like a small scratch on her vail, far right, center edge - i assume this is a bag mark? Lastly, do gold coins from this period normally have a muted gold color or should they have a bright yellow gold color?

Many thanks,

David

From this period EF or less are only worth bullion(unless it from a rare mint)

[Peckris 579]

Hello, I received some images from a dealer of a 1898 half sovereign and would like your opinions on its grade. It is graded by the dealer as Choice EF+. The images are not the best so its hard to make out some of the fine detail. I reviewed the Grading British Coins book and from what I can tell it would be at least a EF in my mind. Any other opinions? Would this be correctly Choice EF+? There is what looks like a small scratch on her vail, far right, center edge - i assume this is a bag mark? Lastly, do gold coins from this period normally have a muted gold color or should they have a bright yellow gold color?

Many thanks,

David

Well, as to grade, I would say the obverse is no better than EF but the reverse looks better, but the photos aren't great. BTW, there is no such grade as 'Choice' - it's the same kind of seller's puff as 'fresh, succulent, pan-fried...' on a restaurant menu. (What, you wanted stale and dry?? And yes, we really use pans to fry in... )

The colour is hard to place, but I'd say it's probably an appalling photograph where the dealer hasn't had the nous to remove an obvious colour cast.

[Guest irish79]

Thank you all for your helpful feedback. It is very hard to tell from the images but I am going to pass on this one. Hopefully better luck on the next one.