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How to Determine the Grade of Gold Coins

Gold dollars are among the most collected of coins minted in the United States. Because Americans were prohibited from holding monetary gold from 1934 to 1974, gold coins can be hard to find. Those in the best conditions can be extremely valuable.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the luster. This is the amount of original shine that is still present on the coin. Gold dollars that have been heavily used tend to lose their luster after being rubbed by fingers or against other coins. If you can find a gold coin that retains most of its luster it can grade in uncirculated conditions, such as MS-60 or MS-63.
- 2
  Look for contact marks. These are marks caused by the coin striking against other objects. Coins with lots of contact marks will normally be graded at a lesser category, such as very fine (VF-20) or extremely fine (EF-40).
- 3
  Look for blemishes. These can be discoloration caused by the coin coming into contact with certain liquids or compounds. With only light blemishes the coin can still grade highly, but a coin with much discoloration should be rated in the fine grades.
- 4
  Examine the coin for wear on the design. The more the coin is in circulation the more the design features of the coin will be worn. If a coin still has sharp features it can be graded in uncirculated conditions, but a gold coin with a lot of wear can grade only fine at best.

Coin Collecting