Grading Roman Coins: From Fine to Mint State
Unlike modern coin grading (which uses the 1–70 Sheldon scale), ancient Roman coins are graded using descriptive terminology. Understanding these grades is essential for buying, selling, and assessing your collection.
Standard Grade Terminology
- Mint State (MS) / Uncirculated: Essentially no wear, full original lustre or surface intact. Extremely rare for ancient coins.
- Extremely Fine (EF / XF): Light wear on the highest points only. All details sharp and well-defined. Highly desirable.
- Very Fine (VF): Moderate wear on raised surfaces. Most details still clear. The most common grade for quality collection coins.
- Fine (F): Considerable wear, but all major features visible. Legends readable. The "workhorse" of affordable collecting.
- Very Good (VG): Heavy wear; main design elements visible but flat. Legend may be partially legible.
- Good (G): Very heavy wear. Design outlined but flat. Date and legend faint or partially missing.
- Fair / Poor: Barely identifiable. Historical interest only.
Factors That Affect Grade (and Value)
- Centering: Is the design centred on the flan, or is part of the design off-flan?
- Strike quality: Was the coin struck with a fresh die? Weak strikes reduce apparent grade.
- Flan quality: Cracks, porosity, cleaning, or corrosion all reduce desirability.
- Patina: Original undisturbed patina is highly valued; harsh cleaning destroys it and dramatically reduces value.
- Tone: On silver coins, attractive toning can add premium; unpleasant toning detracts.
A Note on Cleaning
Never clean a Roman coin with abrasives or chemicals. Professional conservation to stabilise active corrosion is acceptable; aggressive polishing or scratch-removal destroys both patina and value. When in doubt — do nothing.
For newly acquired coins with earthen deposits, gentle soaking in distilled water for several days followed by careful brushing with a soft toothbrush is the safest approach.