Posted 08/12/2013 07:52 am
Grading colonials is very complex and misunderstood. Many variables exist which aren't found on modern issues. Knowing how much "weight" to give 'flaws' is the key. You should READ and understand Sheldons original Grading Scale and it's descriptions. He felt the coin should be graded by wear and defects described. In that way you can mentally understand how you need to "net" a grade to understand the individual coin. For instance, a few years ago a Vermont Baby Head was sold, graded VF20, for $7400. Another was sold for $227. Both were VF20. The first was a fully struck coin with bold lettering, smooth hard planchet with perfect centering, The color was that sweet chocolate brown. It WINS a Beauty contest. The other coin had smoothed and indistinct lettering, half the date off the flan, microporosity, dark brownish blac surfaces and myriad inclusions, laminations, cracks and voids. Wear wise, it was a true VF20 just like other. So, in the long run, PRICE is how Colonials are graded.
