Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GDJMSP, post: 709401, member: 112&quot;]They aren&#039;t any different really, they are just at the same place we were 20 years ago. And they don&#039;t have any fewer grades than we do really, they just use adjectives instead of numbers. Where we use VF20, 25, 30 &amp; 35 - they use About VF, VF, Good VF and Choice VF. And instead of using XF40, 45, AU50, 53, 55 &amp; 58, they use About XF, XF, Good XF and Choice XF. There is a difference in the MS grades though. They do not have as many as we do. And typically any coin grading MS65 and higher by our standards is simply called FDC by them. They pretty much match us on the lower MS grades but with adjectival terms.</p><p><br /></p><p>The one place where they are more strict, and on this I agree with them, they do not allow rub or slight wear on a Mint State coin. If it has slight wear, then the coin is XF, end of story.</p><p><br /></p><p>However, when it comes to harsh cleaning, rarely will a European collector or dealer make any mention of it at all. Harsh cleaning to them is perfectly acceptable. The proof of this is easy to see if one is experienced with world coinage. Countless examples that are purchased from European dealers by US collectors, with no mention whatsoever of harsh cleaning, are returned in body bags when the US collector submits them to the TPG&#039;s. </p><p><br /></p><p>I also disagree completely about the notations for damage, toning etc. As one who used to specialize in world coinage, world gold in particular, never have I seen a damaged coin described as such by a European dealer. Even ex-jewelry coins are ignored and no mention is made. I have seen examples of gold coins that had literally been folded up into a ball, then straightened out and no mention made whatsoever.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in