By definition the grade of GOOD is "... a coin showing a high degree of wear but for which the date and most lettering are still readable..." To be considered readable, does it have to be readable by the naked eye or can it be under 10x magnification? I found a 1914D buffalo nickel, (five cent piece) in a lot I bought off Ebay. If good it red books at $60.
A full good coin should show the rim, most of the date, mintmark and legend should be seen by the naked eye. A little advice: Use your RedBook for referrence, not values.
The grade of "good" or "G-4" can be very different depending upon the specific coin series. I would suggest purchasing a copy of the ANA grading book and studying it to learn about grading each different series. In regards to the grading of a Buffalo Nickel, in order to make G4 all four digits of the date should be legible (although they can be very weak), liberty should be legible on the obverse, the entire reverse legend should be legible (although it can be weak and merging with the rim) and the entire outline of the Buffalo should be present.
It is tough to read the date and legend with the naked eye, but under a 10x loupe it is much easier. So is "legible" with naked eye or under magnification? It is legible under magnification. ND- I only use the red book pricing as a guide for coin values. I can afford $12.95 for a book but not $98 for a greysheet which may or may not change weekly.
Every collector should pick up a greysheet two to three times a year. The cost per issue is $4. While the values will change up or down throughout the year, it will at least give a more accurate baseline to work from.
I did not know that you could buy individual copies of the greysheet. I thought you had to subscribe yearly. I'll check into getting a copy. Thanks If I buy quarterly, Jan.1, April 1, July 1, Oct.1, how far in advance do they come out? Eg. when will the first July issue come out?
Well at least you understand what we dealers have to go through. Grey, Blue, and Green sheets each and every week, month, year.
