Coin grading
The degree of preservation of a coin indicates how strongly a coin by circulation ( and other dealing with it ) is worn. Coin collectors prefer coins with a high degree of conservation, that is, little or no traces of circulation. Therefore, the degree of conservation has a strong influence on the value of a coin collector.
In this article, the two as "proof " and " specular gloss " designated production methods are covered, which are often regarded as preservation degrees.
For the degree of conservation exists a scale with defined edges, which in words ( uncirculated, very nice, get low, etc. ) or abbreviations ( unc, ss, ge, etc. ) can be specified. Often intermediates are used ( -ss = almost very fine, ss = slightly better than very nice, ss -vz = very fine to extremely fine ).
While there is no central organization in Europe, which establishes the rating scale, two private companies, the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC ) and the Professional Coin Grading Service ( PCGS ), which offer the determination of the conservation degree as a service and because of its exist in the U.S. meaning have a normative character. Regardless of how strictly the evaluation is defined, it always contains a subjective component, since it can not be measured, but must be estimated "by eye".
The names of the lesser degrees of conservation ("very good") are euphemistically coined in order not to hinder the trade in such coins.
Conservation features outside the scale
Not only the wear but also other types of damage has an effect on the value of a coin collector. If the damage is typical for the maintenance (such as small scratches on the lower levels ), it can be regarded as part of the maintenance level. Otherwise, they must be listed separately (eg, "excellent with small edge damage" or " with hole, otherwise very nice ").
In no event will the degree of preservation can be improved by interventions (cleaning or restoration). Typical restoration measures are the plug a hole or removing a carrying eye for coins which were used as a pendant. The left by a loop track is called " Henkelspur ". In such arrangements must be pointed in the correct description of the coin.
Sometimes coins are polished or removed by cleaning the patina. The gloss, arising from the fact, is called " Cats shine ". It differs significantly from the optical embossing gloss ( gloss cats is dull, blotchy and shows light scattering by numerous scratches, also the tread depths and fine grooves are still mostly oxidized - see picture) and affects greatly reducing the value.