Grading Scale

The grading scale adopted by Classical Coin Grading is based on the Sheldon scale, international measure for the conservation states of coins around the world.

The Sheldon scale is applied to ancient and modern coins considering the peculiarities of the reference issues. After classifying and assessing the authenticity of the coins, Classical Coin Grading assigns the coin a code and a number that correspond to a specific conservation status.

With regard to the application of the reference judgments, a single distinction is made associated with two types of coins: ancient coins and modern coins. Given the dating and the technical characteristics that distinguish them, ancient coins are valued according to a special process that provides, in addition to the normal assignment of the score, a bonus/malus rating based on centering, patina, flan characteristics, style, minting imprint and glance.

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Grading	Grading code	Description
MS (60 to 70)	Mint state - Uncirculated	The coin has no signs of circulation, it may at most have limited signs of contact with other coins due to the production process.
AU (50, 53, 55, 58)	Almost uncirculated	The coin has circulated very little and all the reliefs are intact.
XF (40, 45)	Extremely Fine	The coin has circulated and the major reliefs show signs of wear, while the coin is perfectly readable.
VF (20, 25, 30, 35)	Very Fine	The coin is worn and some parts are not legible
F, VG, G, Fair, Poor (1, 2, 5, 10, 15)	Fine, Very Good, Fair, Poor	The coin has heavily circulated and most of the reliefs have disappeared

For modern coins

Modern coins are minted using high-precision machines in an industrial process. For modern coins, a distinction is made between the following types of issues.

Mint state. Applies to coins with a degree of preservation from 60 to 70

Proof (collector's edition). Applies to coins with a degree of preservation from 60 to 70

Prooflike. One of the first productions from new dies, similar in appearance to a Proof issue.

Specimen (Proof). Test issuance. Applies to coins with a degree of conservation from 60 to 70

For ancient coins

Ancient coins are minted using artisanal techniques. In addition to an evaluation expressed according to the Sheldon scale, we have introduced 7 parameters to better specify the degree of conservation of this type of coin. These parameters appear in the coin's online tab as bar indicators.

Evaluation example:

Patina

Surfaces

Strike

Style

Flan

Centering

Glance

Patina Differences

Surface Differences

Patina

Patina is the natural layer that forms on the surface of the coin over time, influencing its color and appearance of the surfaces.

Surfaces

It is the state of conservation of the surfaces, and considers the presence of scratches, corrosion or wear defects.

Strike

How well the coin was minted, i.e. how the design was imprinted on the round.

Style

How skilfully the die was engraved by the artist. The same issues can have dies made with different styles.

Flan

The quality of the piece of metal from which the coin is made. How round and how complete is the flan influence this score.

Centering

How well the die is impressed on the flan.

Glance

A subjective judgment of our experts to quantify the visual exceptionality of the coin.

Grading Scale

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For modern coins

For ancient coins

Evaluation example:

Patina

Surfaces

Strike

Style

Flan

Centering

Glance

Classical Coin Grading s.r.l.

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