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Message:: [QUOTE="E Pluribus Unum, post: 2975806, member: 74265"]I am a little late posting this, but let me take a stab at this.  I am a novice at grading and need the practice.  For now, my grading is based mostly on the degree of wear exhibited.  I focus on a particular feature or region of a coin at a time.  By a visual comparison to the PCGS Photograde photos, I assign a grade for that particular feature or region according to the closest match.  In conclusion, I assign an overall grade to a coin by “taking the average” of all of the grades for each feature or region examined. Obverse: First, the feather barbs are more defined in comparison to G6 or even VG8.  Looks like a VG10 to me. Second, part of the L in the tiara is visible as well as the borderline that separates the feathers from the tiara.  These features are completely obscured in G6.  I will assign it a VG8. Third, it appears that the coin is slightly off-center, that is, the bottom rim is larger than the top rim.  I think this makes the top rim appear more worn than it would if the coin were centered.  The dentils around the rest of the obverse are as well defined as a VG10.  So, I’ll go with a VG10. Fourth, the eye region is more detailed than a G6 or even a VG8.  I’ll say a VG10 here. Fifth, the necklace is completely worn in VG8 – especially where the hair curls meet.  This region on this specimen shows some detail that is more consistent with VG10.  I’ll vote VG10 for this region. Sixth, the hair curls in the region between the ear and the bottommost feather shows much more detail than that of a G6.  I would say this matches best to a VG8. Reverse: Seventh, all dentils are well defined.  Looking at the PCGS Photograde images, all dentils are visible starting at VG10.  The dentils appear sharp in this case, more so than a VG10. So, I will go with an F12. Eighth, the oak leaves are outlined, especially on the left hand side of the wreath.  PCGS Photograde is confusing here.  The oak leaves on the photo for a VG10 looks more worn than that for a VG8.  I will give a conservative VG8. Ninth, the arrowheads.  The bottom barb on the topmost arrowhead is not visible; however, the barbs on two lower arrowheads are visible.  I’ll say G6 for the arrowheads. Tenth, the arrow tails on this IHC show a little more detail than a G6.  It’s more like a VG8. Eleventh, all of the lines on the left half side of the shield are visible, but begin to fade as the run left-to-right.  This is similar to the PCGS Photograde photos for a VG8 grade. Twelfth, the bow region is heavily worn.  I will give it a G6. Overall, this coin shows different degrees of wear in different regions of the coin.  This statement seems contradictory assuming that a coin wears evenly throughout its surfaces.  I think it may be due to the differences in strike.  I have seen many well struck Capped Bust Half Dollars with letters missing from the motto.  In any case, I lack the necessary experience and would greatly appreciate your comments about my strategy to grading as outlined above. My grade based on the 12 aforementioned points: 2 G6 5 VG8 4 VG10 1 F12 This distribution seems to be centered on VG8 – that’s my final answer!  I think?[/QUOTE]

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