I'm a newcomer who loves early copper coins. I've heard of the stricter EAC (Early American Coppers) grading standards, but I can't seem to find a website that clearly explains what those standards are. Can anyone help? Is there a website or publication that I can consult? Thanks.
I got a grading guide when I joined EAC, IIRC. I think there's a good one in Sheldon's book, Penny Whimsy, too.
Thanks for that link, HandsomeToad. I had previously found the grading criteria at uscents.com, and I've consulted it many times, but I couldn't be sure that it reflected the EAC standards. There was nothing that specifically said the standards set out in the uscents.com website were the EAC standards. But if those are the EAC standards, great. The photos they provide are also helpful. Thanks again.
I think EAC standards are mostly for condition census purposes. A coin that is an AU-55 from 1950 is still an AU-55 today. This standard is useful for tracking values of coins over time. The certified grade or any dealers grade is always taken as extra information, in that there is usually a holder premium and market demands that come into play. You can't use the EAC grade with pricing guides, as they are totally different standards. Say a certain coin has a condition census - 64,62,55,45,12 This coin might be graded EAC AU-55 but might be certified as a MS-64BN. It will sell for MS-64BN money, but it is not the finest known example.
There is some good verbiage in "Copper Quotes by Robinson" and the Noyes Middle Dates book. I find the EAC method much more sensible than the "industry standard" approach.
