Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Acquire a U.S. coin price guide that lists the grading criteria for each specific coin. While specific coin grades tend to have similar characteristics across coin types, different coins are graded in slightly different ways. A quality guide will help you get as close to the actual grade of the coin as possible.
Examine the date on the U.S. coin. If the date cannot be made out, the coin is called a type coin, and is of the lowest grade (often called "Extremely poor" or "Bad"). If the coin's date is difficult to read, that is a giveaway that the coin is in "Poor" or "About Good" condition. If the date is easily readable, the coin may be of a higher grade.
Inspect both faces of the coin. Pay special attention to the highest details. If the coin's details are all intact and lightly worn, the coin's grade is at least "Extremely Fine." If virtually no wear is visible and the coin has a trace of its original mint luster, the coin is "About Uncirculated" or better. The more wear on the faces of a coin, the lower the grade will be.
Refer to your price guide's grading outlines for the specific U.S. coin that you are grading to accurately grade the coin. Generally speaking, you should pay specific attention to the readability of any letters adorning the coin as well as just how much physical wear the coin has seen throughout the years.