Skip to main content

Viewpoint: Grading system needs linear steps

By Paul Richards

Years ago, I was an active shirt-pocket coin dealer, and I wrote an article about the grading services and about the 70-point coin grading scale.

The original article was published by Coin World, and its subsequent criticism caused me to drop the subject completely. Now, 15 years later, it may be time to dredge it up again!

The article proposes a new “linear” 32-point grading scale in contrast to today’s “non-linear” 70-point scale. Below are a few excerpts from the article, modified slightly, which introduce an idea called “one discernible step in grade.”

From its inception, today’s 70-point numismatic grading system attempts to link numismatic grade to numismatic value. In his original work, Dr. Sheldon asserts that an XF40 coin carries approximately 10 times the value of a G4 coin. That is, if a G4 coin costs about $1, an XF40 coin should cost about $40.

The desire to couple grade and value in one numeric system causes non-linearity in that system.

Enthusiasts at Early American Coppers (those fusspots!) can discern a technical grading difference between Good 4 and Good 5. Similarly, many careful numismatists can detect subtle differences within the Very Fine range of grades, from VF20 to VF25, for example.

In the first case, one discernible step in grade represents one numeric point from G4 to G5. In the second case, one discernible step represents five numeric points from VF20 to VF25. The point discrepancy between these two cases is known as non-linearity.

To give another example, moving from MS63 to MS64 represents one discernible grade step for Mint State coins. But for AU coins, moving from AU55 to AU58 – three numeric points – represents one discernible grade step.

The focus of the article was about comparing one grading service with another, but you cannot do that using a non-linear grading scale. My proposed 32-point linear grading scale, shown in Figure 4 of the article, attempted to solve the problem.

Since 2003, I have retired and shifted my numismatic endeavors to a website called CoinQuest.com. Today, I read only one numismatic periodical: yours!

Please consider my work on a 32-point linear grading scale as you discuss the proposed 100-point scale.

This “Viewpoint” was written by Paul Richards, a hobbyist from West Melbourne, Fla.

To have your opinion considered for Viewpoint, write to David C. Harper, Editor, Numismatic News, 5225 Joerns Drive, Suite 2, Stevens Point WI, 54481. Send email to david.harper@fwmedia.com.

 

This article was originally printed in Numismatic News. >> Subscribe today.

 

SCWC 1701-1800
If you like what you’ve read here, we invite you to visit our online bookstore to learn more about Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800.
 
Learn more >>>

The post Viewpoint: Grading system needs linear steps appeared first on Numismatic News.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stack’s Bowers’ June 2020 Auction Nets Over $5 Million

The Stack’s Bowers Galleries June 2020 Auction continued the trend of high prices realized recently demonstrated in their March Santa Ana and May Hong Kong auctions. Over $5 million was realized in the June sale across United States coins, tokens, and medals, achieving 114 percent of the pre-sale estimate on sold lots. (All prices listed include the buyer’s fee.) Strong demand for high-end gold coinage reflected continued growth in this collecting area, while Numismatic America also saw incredible strength, earning over 50 percent above pre-sale estimates in Internet-Only Session Three. With such strong results in their June sale, Stack’s Bowers Galleries is anticipating considerable interest in their upcoming August 2020 Auction, which will be posted online for viewing and bidding in early July. This Mint State 1824/4 O-110 Capped Bust half dollar featuring Washington and Lafayette countermarks realized $26,400. (All images courtesy Stack’s Bowers) Session One opened with Numism...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mythology Featured on Early Indian Banknotes

The origin of the universe can be explained by modern astronomers and astrophysicists, while archaeologists and historians try to clarify the origin of human societies. A mythology is a collection of stories about a specific culture or religion. They often feature supernatural characters. Cultures around the world are filled with such ales about relationships between gods and humans. In the distant past, however, before any sciences existed, the beginnings of the world and of society were explained by MYTHOLOGY. Mythology is a common topic of expression through artwork. Not just dance; painting, sculpting, the mythology is a way of expression during many facets of day to day life. Even on Indian coins, stamps, and banknotes Mythology is featured with distinct concepts. The blog covers the topic: Mythology Featured on Early Indian Banknotes. As the British colonial reign strengthened in India over the years, their paper currency became the new normal. More denominations came in, layou...
Post a Comment
Read more

Letters to the Editor (September 18, 2018)

Minting a new 3-cent piece wasteful if not silly Mint a three-cents coin? In the Aug. 28 issue of Numismatic News , a Viewpoint article by Wayne Pearson advocated the issuance of a new three-cent denomination coin to replace the cent. I think this idea is silly since nothing can be bought for three cents. Minting such a denomination would be wasteful. The least expensive item I know of is a paper bag, which one can buy for 10 cents in California when buying groceries. Making any coin of a smaller denomination makes no sense. I advocate a complete reworking of all of our coin denominations as follows: A dime, as the smallest; a quarter; a half dollar; and a dollar and a five dollar, all in ascending order of size. Eliminate the $1 bill and the $5 bill and begin the printing of $500 bills. Thomas Miller Santa Rosa, Calif.   Base metal dollar coin designs that have circulated alongside the paper dollar include Eisenhower (top left), Susan B. Anthony (center right), and Sacaga...
Post a Comment
Read more