Learn Grading: The Details Grade

PCGS - One of the primary functions of a professional grader is the identification of problems with a coin's surface that will prevent the assignment of a numeric Sheldon (1-70) grade. Some such problems are immediately apparent, like a hole drilled through a coin that was previously connected to a necklace or keychain or a harsh cleaning directly atop the date or mintmark; others are more subtle, as in the case of well-hidden tooling or a light rim file.


1799 Draped Bust Dollar, holed and cleaned.

Occasionally, however, a coin will have more than one grade-disqualifying problem. In those instances (and assuming the piece in question is genuine), PCGS will identify the most severe issue and encapsulate the coin with a "Details" grade reflecting its relative state of preservation aside from the problem.

The most severe forms of damage involve mechanical displacement of metal. This includes coins that have been holed or plugged, repaired, or whizzed, and those that have had a spot or planchet streak tooled or removed. The 1799 Draped Bust Dollar imaged herein has been cleaned, but the extreme physical nature of the hole in the coin dictates that the problem takes precedence in labeling and certification.


1884-S Morgan dollar, cleaned and artificially toned

Sometimes compound problems are related, such as artificial toning or other surface alteration that is done to mask underlying problems. The pictured 1884-S Morgan dollar has had a layer of artificial color applied in an attempt to conceal extensive hairlines from improper cleaning. In such a case, PCGS would identify the cleaning as the most salient issue, as that (permanent) surface problem would remain even if the artificial toning were removed by conservation.


1873 $3, ex-jewelry.

Some standard "No-Grade" descriptions are intended to encompass a multitude of problems that often manifest together as the result of particular numismatic life cycles. Many 19th-century United States gold coins were used in pieces of jewelry, being either set in a bezel or soldered directly onto a mount in a ring, necklace, brooch, etc. Nearly all such pieces were also cleaned and polished over time as such accessories typically were. PCGS uses the term "Ex-Jewelry" when encapsulating coins that have rim deformation, mount remnants, heavy polishing, or other problems resulting from such a life.

It is important to keep in mind that these problems do not immediately render a coin uncollectible, uninteresting, or undesirable. Coins serve a long and heavy duty in the course of commerce (and occasionally fashion!), and their condition is often compelling evidence of the times and places they have been seen, held, spent, given, or treasured.

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