Grading Question

[jcf37405]

I'm sure this is basic but I haven't seen it addressed in any of my books. If the obverse and revers of a coin grade differently, how do you choose the final grade of the coin? So like if the obverse is VF-20 and the reverse is EF-40, is the overall grade VF-30? Or does the lower grade take more importance and make the coin VF-20?

[DoubleYou]

The obverse grade counts more highly than the reverse grade. I normally use something like a 60% to 40% ratio for obverse grade versus reverse grade. Using this, I'd grade a VF-20 obverse with a EF-40 reverse as a VF-25. With a grade like that, I would normally just call it a VF-20, as such a minor change in circulated grades normally does not affect the value of the coin much.

Wendell

[jcf37405]

Thanks Wendell. Is that a pretty standard way to approach this?

[copperlover]

If you can reach a copy of the Coin Collectors Survival Manual Scott A. Travers covers this very issue conerning Grading and actually gives you a system he uses himself. You may find this very useful. I agree with Wendell that the obverse is the one used but the reverse can give the coin a plus or minus in determining the final grade.

Lucien

[abe]

Personally I wish all coins would have a grade for both sides and some dealers still do this. There is nothing worse than purchasing a AU coin and the reverse is a nice AU, but the obverse is a mushy VF or XF by it looks but is considered AU because of a worn die.
I believe both sides and the rim/edge are all equal even though the obverse gets the most attention, JMO...:tinysmile_hmm_t:

[RWBILLER]

years ago anacs did that.
roger

[jfines69]

I was reading my new grading guide and it states that you grade both sides what they are... If both are a VF then it is VF/VF or just VF.... if it is VF OBV and an AG REV then you would have a VF/AG... American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins 6th Edition, copyright 2006... Hope that helps!!!

[jcf37405]

I was reading my new grading guide and it states that you grade both sides what they are... If both are a VF then it is VF/VF or just VF.... if it is VF OBV and an AG REV then you would have a VF/AG... American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins 6th Edition, copyright 2006... Hope that helps!!!

Hmm..I wonder why the grading companies don't do this?