The Sheldon scale.

Ok, so coins are graded on a 70 point scale, called the Sheldon scale. Got it.

But here is where it gets confusing.

On the 1st 4 points, it goes up four points.

We have PR 1, FA 2, AG 3 and G 4.

But once we hit G4, it goes up to G-6, we skipped two points.

We skip 2 points until we hit F-12, after going over VG-10

Then we have F 12, then holy cow, we jump 3 points to F-15.

We get to F-15 and Jump 5 whole points to VF 20.

Now we skip by fives, VF 35, XF 40, XF 45, until we hit AU 50.

Then we go by 3's again. 50, 53,

then we simmer down to 2's, 55, 58.

When we get to MS, we really put on the brakes, MS 60, 61, 62, until we hit 70.

So...here is my question.

How come for certain grades we jump like 5 points, and certain grades, like Poor through Good 4, one point, and get even more picky in MS Grades?

Why don't we just grade along the entire 70 point system? Like VF 37, or F16?

 

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I've often wondered the same thing. I think it would just be way too confusing and coins would have a much greater chance of getting misgraded if there was a grade for every number 1-70.
Finding the difference between VF22 and a VF23 is probably like trying to distinguish a PF69 from a PF70 with the naked eye. You just can't do it and the assigned grade would be more of a guess.

 

Good questions....

On your first question: Because Sheldon never intended it to be used for grading. It was intended for pricing coins. Think of the basal value (i.e. starting value) of a coin, then multiply by it's "grade" and you get its value. This helps explain how Sheldon envisioned his standard, and some of the questions you ask. Or at least that's the thought that popped into my head when I read your question.

Your second question (e.g. VF 37) is more a question to the limits of human subjective precision, but it is interesting to note that's kind of what the "+" grades that the TPGs are now assigning coins is effectively doing.....Mike

 

Why don't we get rid of Sheldon and just use a full 100 point system?

 

Good idea, and then we/they will just ignore everything between 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and 100.

Chris

 

A coin's Sheldon grade is only one aspect of its market value. It strikes me that it's unnecessary to get too fussy with low to mid-range grades, as the eye appeal of those coins depends more on other factors. For instance, I think the cameo wear toning of bust series coins is very attractive. I would prefer such a coin in VF than I would an AU that's been cleaned.

 

Leadfoot has given a great answer to the question. Additionally, a later question asked why the hobby did not adopt a 100-point system and this almost happened when the ANA opened up ANACS. Alas, that horse has left the barn.

 

Some think that we should also use decimals over the grade of MS-60. To me that is just crazy. I think that the 70 point scale is fine the way it is, but it would have made a bit more sense if the 100 point scale was established to begin with.

 

the wheel has been built but everbody cant agree on the car

 

I could see a 100-point scale if the grading services were using computer-assisted laser technology to grade coins. Then, they could nit-pick them to death. Of course, the drawback to this (where the grading services are concerned) is that people could buy the necessary equipment to grade everything for themselves, and the grading services would lose business.

Chris

 

Because of Reasons.

Basically, we as a people are a very simplistic mindset. And since grading is already subjective, why put more complications in there? Can you possibly tell me the difference between F-16 and F-17? No. There are too many factors. Maybe a tiny hit, minor blemish, or just a miniscule amount of wear. They got rid of that so we can have a general idea. Anybody who can grade can differentiate between VF-25 and VF-30. We use the current grading because it is very, very easy.

 

That is not the reason. We adapted to the grading system and would have in most cases. I do not think the current grading system is necessarily "very, very easy."

 

My grading system works best, these are the following grades:

Shiny and purty
Worn but cool
Dull and worn
Dirty and ugly
Walk away now

Makes collecting easy!

 

Under that system, do only the first two categories get consideration?

 

Rodeoclown
I like it.
I like it

 

Doesn't the grading system change with each type of coin? And how is there one grade when a coin hastwo sides?

At this point I don't think I'll be purchasing a collectible coin in the near future unless it's bullion from the mint. There's so much to learn. Now I understand why collectors recommend sticking to one type.

 

I was starting to worry when the folks at PCGS were talking about the 100 point scale. It would have drove me crazy having to learn the new scale. PCGS must have felt the same. They could have made a lot of money on the change but set it aside for the time being. Thank you PCGS. Not sure if there has ever been talk of NGC looking at the idea.

 

I would assume that both the obverse and reverse and taken into account when determing a final grade.

 

I know. So are they averaged? To what ratio? It is almost like the grade doesn't make buying any easier. The collector is really going to need to inspect the coin to determine why the grade was given.