I got a low end, well circulated coin today and based on it's condition, I had trouble deciding what an appropriate grade would be for it. So I have a couple questions as a result of this. This would seem to mainly affect circulated coins more than MS. We know most coins have typical wear patterns. But each individual is subjected to different types of wear for varying lengths of time. And for some reason, sometimes certain details are left (maybe because of a great strike?) and you have one side that would pass as VG and the other side is G. Then what happens if you have VG details on one side, G details on the other, but say a rim is totally worn away on part of the G side possibly dropping it to AG as well? How do you guys grade a coin like this? Is it a weighted average? Do you go by the most/worst wear dictates the highest possible grade? The best portion makes it the highest possible grade? Or would you say it's in between? What about the TPG's? Which way will they go? Say one side is F and the other has EF details?
The grade is based on the lower side, in your case G or AG. But if the other side is better, it will probably command a premium price for the grade.
I think the TPG will go with the lowest graded side but might give a little dump for the other side being so nice. I don't know for sure. I go with the lowest graded side as the grade for the coin. Like say one side is F and the other EF. I put F+ on the label to mean that both sides are not equal to fine.
Lowest graded side although with some series (like the Walkers), a better obverse may get benefit of the doubt.
