Numerical Grading Systems
Although numerical systems for grading have been proposed several times over the years (an early plan, outlined in the pages of The Numismatist in the 1890s, suggested Roman numerals, such as I, II, III, IV, etc.), ...
numerical grading: a system used to describe the condition of a coin. The numerical system currently in use for American coins ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 indicating a perfect coin.
numerical grading Specifically, the Sheldon 1-70 scale employed by PCGS and others.
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation Third-party grading service based in Parsipany, New Jersey.
Numerical grading - The Sheldon 1-70 scale employed by NGC, PCGS, and other third-party grading services.
Numismatics - The art and science relating to the study of coins, tokens, medals, paper money and similar objects.
Numerical grading seems to work quite well for modern coins (to pick a number, let's say pieces minted during the last three centuries or so), but is, in my opinion, inadequate for coins not produced by modern methods.
Numerical Grading
The use of numbers on a continuous scale, for the purpose of assigning a numerical grade to a coin's condition.
A numerical grading system ranging from 1 to 70, created by Dr. William H. Sheldon to denote proportional values of large cents minted from 1793 to 1814 and subsequently adapted as a general grading scale.
shinplaster ...
Sheldon scale of numerical grading - A system of grading both proof and mint-state coins numerically rather than adjectivally. Coins that do not show signs of wear fall generally into categories of 60 and above.
Morgan dollars Sheldon scale A numerical grading system ranging from 1 to 70 created by Dr. William H.
At the time numerical grading was not in use so I had fewer possible grades to choose from and less chance for error. After the test I was given my score. I had graded 8 of the coins exactly as my future employers had.
Now that you are familiar with numerical grading, it makes sense to revisit our discussion of high grade coins. While Uncirculated coins are very popular with collections, so are Proofs.
The numerical grading system used by TPG's does not translate directly to the adjectival grading system used in some non US countries, leading to confusion and possible deception on the part of coin sellers.
Grades between TPG's are not the same.
In my opinion the unsolicited appearance of a Numerical Grading Standard in this country has caused considerable confusion with many collectors and investors looking to assemble a collection or portfolio of coins in high grade.
For US coins, the industry uses a 70-point numerical grading scale to define the condition (or grade) of a rare coin. Mint State (MS) coins were struck for general circulation. Proof (PR) coins were specifically struck for coin collectors.
This catalogue used a simple numerical grading system with the coin assigned a number equivalent to Uncirculated, possibly through typographical error.
Grading became more "scientific" in the 1940's when the numerical grading scale was invented by Dr. William Sheldon.
The equivalent of "choice" or "Choice BU" from the days before numerical grading was prevalent.
And, the numerical grading system is not at all logical, for the Uncirculated span just enumerated runs just 10 points from MS-60 to MS-70, while Very Fine runs from VF-20 all the way up to just before EF-40, a span of nearly 20 points! ...
This term is used less frequently now that the Sheldon scale of numerical grading has come into vogue.
This is for "Very Fine" (the grade) and "35" (the numerical designation of the grade). This grade used to be called VF/EF (or VF/XF) before numerical grading was accepted throughout the hobby.
 See also: Coin, Grading, Mint, Grade, Struck
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