How to value gold coins when buying

Part of what determines the value of a gold coin when buying, trading and selling is the ‘grade’ of the coin. So how are the grades determined? Here is a guide that can help you determine the grade of gold coins, so long as conditions such as scratches, dents and bends in the coin are noted.

Gold coins grades:

• Poor: If you can only identify a coin but not the type or date
• Fair: If the coin is identifiable as to the type of currency.
• About Good: The currency is clear and the date is legible.
• Good: The currency is identifiable, with a clear date and clear designs with heavy signs of wear.
• Very Good: Designs and date are clear but not necessarily clear in detail. You can see any ‘rim’ or line around the edge of the coin.
• Fine: In overall good condition with less signs of wear.
• Very Fin: large details are entirely complete with minor details mostly visible.
• Extremely Fine: Light wear to the ‘high-points’ on the coin with some sheen left.
• Almost Uncirculated: Still has some sheen, minimal wear.
• Uncirculated or Min: No wear or minimal wear, shiny and like new.
• Proof: a collectors coins specifically for collecting and not currency.