Certain elements of grading are specific to a given series. For example : how many letters of LIBERTY must we see to be G, VG, F, etc how much hair detail to merit F, VF, etc For these grading motifs, different series have different standards. One must become familiar with any given series and its quirks. But some elements of grading are generic, and apply across the board. For example, discerning that first bit of rub makes a coin AU. This is true of all coins - domestic or foreign, modern or classic. This is cool, because mastering generic techniques means you have a jump at grading any coin, even unfamiliar ones. What principles of grading are transferable from one series to another ? What skills are generic, and applicable to a wide variety of coins ? <discuss... talk amongst yourselves>
Roll rub can look just like the slightest bit of circ. But some elements of grading are generic, and apply across the board. For example, discerning that first bit of rub makes a coin AU. This is true of all coins - domestic or foreign, modern or classic. Another fine point that needs to be learned - Roll rub can look just like the slightest bit of circulation also but does not always render a coin less than MS-60. How do you tell? You know which series, dates were commonly kept in rolls such as late 1930's to 1958 wheat cents, Jefferson Nickles, Mercury Dimes, Washington Quarters, Walking Liberty Halves, Franklin Halves, Morgan and Peace Dollars to name a few. Roll rub will be "height specific" meaning only the highest points of the coin will have it and it will look very fresh. It will not be rounded like circulation rub and will generally still have cartwheel luster. One other good way to tell if you have the oppertunity is to look at other coins from the same roll.
One element of grading that is standard acrossed the board is that once you clean a coin, it is not uncirculated anymore. I hope some of these mail-order companies start following this rule a little more. I guess it's my fault for ordering from them anyway. I have learned from my mistakes however, so I'll chalk it up as a learning experience.
