PRICING COINS
English coin prices are guided by the Sovereign Rarities (previously SPINK) Standard Catalogue of British Coins. This catalogue is issued annually and prices are updated each year to reflect current market conditions.
Roman coin prices are guided by the David Sear catalogue of Roman Coins and their Values, Volumes I-V. As these volumes were published some years ago, values as also guided by contemporary prices in the market.
GRADING COINS
Coin value is related to its rarity, grade and condition.
Rarity is determined mostly by the number of coins made and number known to still exist. Some varieties may be very rare but may not necessarily command a high price.
The condition of a coin refers to the amount of wear due to circulation, as well as the quality of the strike from the dies when made. Condition also includes the presence of any attractive features like lustre, patina and colouring, and detracting features like scratches, indents, edge knocks, marks, spots, and corrosion which reduce the desirability and value of the coin. Cleaning of a coin usually has a detrimental impact too.
The patina or toning of a coin is the natural colouring acquired with the passing of time. A very attractive patina may result in a considerable premium over catalogue price due to exceptional eye appeal. In older coins natural toning can be sought after, even if not exotic in colour.
Grading is a very important aspect of determining a coin’s value. Here we adopt the Australian and British grading conventions described below. Coins can also be graded and sometimes placed in an air tight slab by a professional grading company. Whilst this can provide the purchaser with confidence in the grade, some disadvantages include the inability to handle the coins, more space required for storage, limited consideration of detracting features, and in some cases priority being given to grading the coin obverse over reverse.
Grading classification used here
Proof: Proof is a type of coin not a grade. Proof coins are struck for collectors and not intended for circulation. They have mirror-life surfaces and often a frosted relief.
Fleur de coin (FDC): A coin in the highest state of preservation. The strike is flawless and well centred. Design details are razor sharp. The coin surface and rim will not show any detracting marks. Full fresh mint lustre must be present. Silver coins may feature an attractive patina. Bronze coins must be fully brilliant.
Gem uncirculated (Gem UNC): Faultless with a strong but not necessarily perfect strike. Detracting marks will be insignificant. Coin retains full lustre or mint bloom. Patina may be present on silver or bronze coins. Very strong eye appeal.
Choice uncirculated (Choice UNC): A well struck uncirculated coin free of any significant detracting features and retaining full mint lustre or developed attractive patina.
Uncirculated (UNC): A coin not circulated and therefore shows no wear. It may be struck from a worn die and hence not all the intricate details of the design may be fully formed. Moderate but not significant detracting marks (eg bag marks) from the production process may be evident in the fields and on the rim.
Almost uncirculated (aUNC): Faint traces of wear on the highest points of the coin design are evident. Otherwise as uncirculated.
Good extremely fine (gEF): Between EF and aUNC.
Extremely fine (EF): Coin shows slight wear on the high points of the design.
Almost extremely fine (aEF): Just a little below EF.
Good very fine (gVF): Between VF and aEF.
Very fine (VF): Coin shows wear to the extent that high points of the design are missing. Most or all of the lustre is absent. Still pleasing to the eye with most of the design features present.
Almost very fine (aVF): Just a little below VF.
Good fine (gF): Between F and aVF.
Fine (F): Coin shows significant wear but the main design features are easily recognisable. The legends and date are visible.
Almost fine (aF): Just a little below Fine.
Fair: Extensive wear but the main design features, date and some of legends are discernible.
Poor: Extremely worn with little to see but can still identify coin to type and date visible.
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) USA
PCGS is a popular international grading service which has more detailed categories than above. The corresponding grading is shown below:
Mint state
MS60 – MS70
About uncirculated
AU50-AU58
Extremely Fine
EF40-EF45
Very Fine
VF20-VF35
Fine
F12-F15
Very Good
VG8-VG10
Good
G6
About Good
G3
Fair
FR-2
Poor
P0-1
Rare Coins Australia 