Niewmismatic Error Coins

CONDITIONS OF GRADING


Almost daily, I received emails,sms or phone calls from coins and banknotes collectors, asking me to help to grade their coins or banknotes, always I feel bad because I can't fulfill  their request,because images or photos delivered to me were in poor quality, I can't give them a good judgement.

Instead of asking them to resend new photos, I always asked them buy books or coins and banknotes catalogues that come with a guide of grading.Valuation is impossible without a sound knowledge of grading.I hope they will take the initiative to learn how to grade their collections and enjoy the knowledge of knowing how to grade a coin or banknote.

I used to recommend catalogue  published by Trigometric Sdn Bhd,"A Complete Educational Reference MALAYSIA BRUNEI & SINGAPORE Banknotes and Coins" Edited by KN Boon. In its content,they is beginner's guide to coins and banknotes collection, preservation of collection, guide on coins and banknotes grading etc. It was published in 3 languages, i.e. English,Mandarin and Malay.

For your convenience, here some basic information on conditions of grading.


CONDITIONS OF COINS

PROOF 
Proof coins usually have a mirror-like field and are least double-struck on specially prepared planchets using highly polished dies. On some, the raised parts of the design have a frosted effect

UNC 
Uncirculated coins must show no visible signs of wear or handling. Bag marks may be present.

EF
Extremely fine. With light overall wear on the coin's highest points. About 95% of the original detail visible. Mint lustre is usually seen only in protected areas of the coin's surface.

VF
Very fine. With moderate wear over the entire coin. About 75% of the original detail still visible but the letters and raised parts of the design may be partly worn. Entire design is sharp overall.

F
Fine coins will show considerable wear overall. About 50%of the original detail visible. All lettering weak but visible

VG
Very Good. Well worn. About 25% of the original detail still visible. Most fine details such as hair strands, leaf veins, and so on are worn nearly smooth.



CONDITIONS OF PAPER MONEY

UNC     
Uncirculated - A perfectly preserved note without evidence of any fold or handing, Paper is clean and firm, without discoloration, Corners are sharp and square. An uncirculated note will have its original, natural sheen.

EF       
Extremely fine - A note with light handling. May have a maximum of three light folds or one strong crease. 

VF       
Very fine - A note with more evidence of handling and wear. May have several folds, traces of dirt or some colour smudging. the edges show slight wear but no tear. Paper is still relatively crisp and not floppy.

F         
Fine - A note showing considerable circulation with many folds, creases and wrinkles. Edges may show much handling, with minor tears but here will be centre hole because of excessive folding. Colours are clear but not very bright. Paper is some what dirty and limp. Overall appearance is still desirable 

VG      
Very Good - A well used note, damaged and soiled but still intact. There may be rounded corners, edge tears, creases, stains, discoloration and centre hole but no pieces of the note can be missing.

Happy Niewmismatics !