Posted 12/30/2013 05:47 am
I think this is an important point. Grading a coin can be agreed. However you shouldn't think it's necessarily logical or consistent!
And just because we Brits use similar terms (like anything else!) it doesn't mean we mean the same thing!
To me it's odd that there are about 35 Sheldon points between UK Fine and Extremely Fine (often an unattractive unless very rare coin and an acceptable collectable) and yet a similar number at the top of the scale are all US MS. In my head Mint State is just that, a virtually unworn, attractive coin. Many here will be able to tell an MS64 from a 65, but I doubt I could!
Which is to say, really the only way is to study your grading. And ideally use whichever system is appropriate to the coins you collect. You like Morgans? Use the US system. But if you want to collect bun head pennies, well, best to learn the way we Brits do it so your Extremely Fine coins don't turn to Fine when you want to sell them!
And just because we Brits use similar terms (like anything else!) it doesn't mean we mean the same thing!
To me it's odd that there are about 35 Sheldon points between UK Fine and Extremely Fine (often an unattractive unless very rare coin and an acceptable collectable) and yet a similar number at the top of the scale are all US MS. In my head Mint State is just that, a virtually unworn, attractive coin. Many here will be able to tell an MS64 from a 65, but I doubt I could!
Which is to say, really the only way is to study your grading. And ideally use whichever system is appropriate to the coins you collect. You like Morgans? Use the US system. But if you want to collect bun head pennies, well, best to learn the way we Brits do it so your Extremely Fine coins don't turn to Fine when you want to sell them!
