Is there a basic rule for grading? For instance does every grade start at 0 and get additions eg.+20 for appeal, +5 points for early strike +5 points for luster. Or does every coin start at 70 and get subtractions eg. -5 for luster -20 for strike quality???
There is not a simple algorithm for determining a coins grade. PCGS has provided a very good introduction to coin grading here - https://www.pcgs.com/education. It can explain the basics far better than myself. The Photograde section (https://www.pcgs.com/photograde) is also a place great to start.
Ok, It is VAM-36B Doubled 1-3, Beveled Field Cap Top & Back. Although being a pretty neat die state variety (imo), vam 36 and vam 36b are relatively common and easily found with a bit of searching. It is generally a heartbreaker variety because it's cousin the 1883-o vam-22a (partial E reverse clash) is highly elusive and heavily sought after. They share a similar clash above Liberty's head... [sorry, accidentally hit the respond button before finishing, pictures coming...]
