What to Know About Grading Rare Coins
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A Quick Guide to Grading Rare Coins
When it comes to rare coins, there are a lot of factors that go into their value, especially the grade they are assigned by a professional. At Austin Rare Coins & Bullion, we are rare coin dealers who have a passion for all things rare coins. We’ve put together a quick guide on what you need to know about grading rare coins. Learn more below and get in touch with us if you have any questions.
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What Does the Rare Coin Grading Process Involve?
When it comes to rare coins, the grading process is important because it has a big impact on their value. It involves looking at a number of factors, including the coin’s age, luster, strike, surface condition, and overall eye appeal. In most cases, a grading scale is used in order to give the coin a numeric grade.
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What Is the Sheldon Scale (Coin Grading Scale)?
Named after William Sheldon, the Sheldon Scale is a 70-point coin grading scale that is commonly used in order to determine the condition of a coin. The higher on the scale a coin is, the more valuable it will be.
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About the Sheldon Scale Grades
Here’s a quick rundown of each rare coin grade on the Sheldon Scale, from highest to lowest:
- Circulated (1-45) — A coin that has been used in circulation for public use and shows wear and tear or damage.
- About Uncirculated (46-58) — A coin that has only barely been circulated and shows little to no wear and tear.
- Uncirculated (59-70) — A coin that has never been used in circulation before and is in pristine or "mint" condition.
![Professional grading rare coins](https://www.austincoins.com/media/wysiwyg/Img4_1.jpg)
Get Your Coins Graded by the Experts
If you have rare coins that you want to get graded, our team at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion can help. We are experienced rare coin dealers who can grade your coins and give you an accurate estimate of their value.
Do you have a rare coin collection that needs grading? Contact our rare coin dealers at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion today to learn more about our rare coin grading process!
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