The American Numismatic Association, also known as the ANA, has set standards of grading coins within the United States. These standards helps with determining the value of any coin, which means that the higher the quality, then the higher the grade and the more valuable the coin will be. Accurately grading any coin does require experience and skill of the individual to enable them to determine the approximate grade that should be given to a coin.



Grading your coin collecting or having your coin collection graded will provide you with valuable information that help you determine the worth or value of your collection. Grading any coin accurately requires experience, which is only accumulated by years of study and research. This process has become more of an art than a science.

Designs on coins may be raised higher on some than others while showing more wear in its high raised features. Engraving lines may be more shallow than others and at the same time these will wear quickly when handling. With careful inspection of any coin will enable you to determine by these vulnerable areas whether a coin is circulated or uncirculated. Circulated coins are much more vulnerable to abrasions and scratches than uncirculated coins.

Grading scales have strict guidelines which help to determine the grade of any coin. Several times there are concerns of the luster of coins and the number of scratches or abrasions it has when trying to determine the assessment of coins. This one among several issues that will attribute to the grading of coins. There are so many aspects that have to be taken into consideration when grading coins, which include the mechanical strike of a coin and the presence of oxidization that may cover the surface of a coin.

Consistency in grading is the most important factor when grading, whether you are a beginner, novice, or expert collector, plus accurate lighting. Halogen lighting is preferred to most professionals, but incandescent lighting does work fine. Switching light sources from one to another will often culprit the grading of your coins. Florescent lighting is not recommended when grading coins, because it tend to hide tiny imperfections on the surface that can easily foll the novice.

The use of magnification may be needed at times when you eye is not sufficient enough to determine the proper grade. However, if the intensity of the magnification is too high, then it will completely distort the true picture of a coin, so be careful not to use a magnifying glass of more than ten times its power. The development of your grading skills will increase the proficiency in which you are capable of grading your own collection, which is only acquired through experience.

When ever you are grading your own collection be sure to take into consideration the quality of the planchet or blank, the sharpness of each strike, any adjustment marks, whether or not the price has been cleaned, and the attractiveness of its surface.