| Ancient coins are
often of high artistic quality, although
the striking process caused variations and
defects making each coin to some extent unique. Most were
discovered buried in the ground, causing chemical changes ranging from toning on
precious metal coins to patination on bronze coins. Many ancient coins,
particularly those buried in acid soil, have suffered from
corrosion. Grading ancient coins is different from grading modern coins,
all struck alike on automatic machines. When a modern coin is described as "Very
Fine" the collector has an accurate idea of its condition, though variations in
toning and strike are still encountered. Two ancient coins of the same type may each be
accurately graded "Very Fine" for preservation, yet be
very different from each
other. Thus a description with three elements is often used:
[Defect(s)] otherwise [Preservation
Grade] with [Exceptional feature(s)]
The [defects] and [exceptional
features] elements are omitted, if not applicable to the specimen described.
Finally you, the collector, are the ultimate judge of condition. If a coin pleases you,
don't worry too much about fine details of grading. Conversely, never buy a coin you don't
like whatever its technical grade. Some celebrated collections, now standard references,
were formed by collectors who didn't hesitate to acquire coins in lower grades if they
were types missing from their collection.
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