Coin and Paper Money Collecting/meaning of coin words

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Expert: - 5/2/2009


Question
i was checking up values of old coins and was wondering what does 'heavy wear' 'light wear' 'Fine wear'


US: VF 20 Very Fine


US: XF40 Ex. Fine


US: AU50  AU
(May be Brown)

US: AU58 Uncirculated
Red/Brown

US: MS61RB Choice
Uncirculated
(Red)
US: MS63 R Gem
Uncirculated
(Red)
US: MS65 R Proof (in FDC)


US: PF66 R . it was in the old irish coin and old english coin site. please reply a.s.a.p ill realy appriate it.

Answer
Hi Oisin,

Grading is a deep subject.  I recommend you buy the Official American Numismatic ANA Grading Standards Book for full information.  Basically, a good coin will have at least a full rim on both sides of the coin.  At Very Good you can see 2 or 3 letters of wording on high points of the coin.  A Fine coin you start to see most of the details, but the coin will still have wear.  At very fine the details start to sharpen, but there is still noticeable wear.  At Extra fine you will see full detail with a touch plus of wear and original mint luster.  At AU or Almost uncirculated you will see only a touch of wear plus lots of original Mint luster.   And then you have UNC - no wear and full Mint Luster.  PR refers to Proof coins which is a totally different minting process than strikes made for circulation.  R refers to RED (Never Cleaned and original) uncirculated coins and RB refers to Red Brown uncirculated coins.  Both R and RB are in reference to copper coins.   

Please remember to never clean coins, this can damage and lessen their value.  Also, soft plastics can contain harmful chemicals that can react with coins over time.  Try using inert materials when storing coins.  Plus, it is always a good idea to store coins in a safe.  The safe should not be exposed to the elements and should not be up against a wall to the outside.  These are just a few tips I have learned over the years to help keep your collection in top shape.

If you found this information helpful please nominate me for category expert in coins.  If coming through Los Banos, CA please feel free to look us up at Thoreson Numismatics.

Thanks for the question,

Troy Thoreson, aucpro.com  

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Troy Thoreson

Expertise

Please, no error coin questions unless your coin is dated 1955 or before. I can answer questions regarding all U.S. Coins, Gold & Silver bullion, including regular mint and proof issue coins and currency. Since 2009, I have been contributing to the Red Book, "A Guide Book of United States Coins", by R.S. Yeoman along with two other publications. I currently run two coin shops in California.

Experience

I have over 30 years experience in Numismatics. I own two coin shops and have examined thousands of coins over the years. Please allow up to 2 business days for an answer. This is a free service and I am happy to answer questions - but please be patient and understanding of my time.

Organizations
My company is an authorized P.C.G.S. and N.G.C. dealer. I am a Life Member of the American Numismatic Association and California State Numismatic Association. We are also an authorized Whites Metal Detector dealership.

Publications
I have written articles for Coin World and the Rare Coin Market Report.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate of completion from the American Numismatic Association on how to detect counterfeit U.S. Gold Coins and how to Grade U.S. Coins along with other certifications. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Computer Information Systems.

Awards and Honors
I am listed as a contributor to the Red Book, "A Guide Book of United States Coins", the Red Book, by R.S. Yeoman. I have been contributing to the Red Book since 2009. I also contribute to the Blue Book and the new Professional edition Red Book. I have many other awards and honors.

Past/Present Clients
My past consulting clients included eBay, Inc., Yahoo! Auctions, and the United States Postal Service. I have many other great customers and help all no matter their level of collecting.

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