Experience can be an asset for rating the condition of coins. Vintage
coins need to be graded correctly in order to determine a fair value
for them. Proof coins are perfect quality mint products and
always fetch the highest price in any call auction bids. The coin
grading system is classified under 9 grade criterion as listed below:
PROOF COINs have very sharp clear features as they are minted using specially prepared die and blanking tools to produce well polished design features.
Fleur de Coin (FDC) can be graded as Proof Coin, as perfect as
the original mint state coins. Such FDC grade coin maintains its full
luster without any trace of marking of or abrasion.
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins
will maintain full luster without being toned or tarnished. The
metallic color tone of circulated coins will definitely deviate from the
original tone specification and change to tarnished state once they are
released for public circulation.
Uncirculated (UNC)
is the grade applicable to coins that do not have visible abrasion or
scratches, but are tarnished and with some changes in the original
metallic color tone.
Extremely Fine (EF) coins may still maintain some luster and sharp clear features of mint state, but with faint sign of negilible wear.
Very Fine (VF) are applied to coins that rather worn out, maintaining minimal luster around the embossed text script area
Fine (F) coins
still show the minted features, but with visible fine scratches or may
even have minor indentation on the edges or coin surface.
Good (G) condition
coins are not worth collecting unless they are unique and rare. Most of
the features on the coin surface are worn out and flattened with some
areas being illegible. There may be
small notches or indentation on the edge or surface too.
Poor / Fair (P) coins
are worthless for collection as they are almost completely worn out and
usually beyond recognition, except for the faint design outline.
