Grading Services- Coins

Rim Nicks

 Get in the habit of first examining the rim of a coin that you are looking at.  Nicks on the rim can reduce the value of the coin from anything between 5% and 20% depending on the seriousness of the nick and the general grade of the coin.

 

Polishing

 
The coin might have been polished with a commercial cleaner or have been buffed.  The coin is recognised by an unnatural shininess.  The value will be impaired and is far less desirable than a natural coin. This can, subject to the rarity and condition of the coin, reduce its value by anything between 20% and 50% or less.

 Ex Mount

 There are essentially three types to check for:
 Pin Holes, Soldering and Ex Clasp.

 Pin holes

  During the 1900's it was popular to put coins in swivel mount brooches and pendants.  Check the rim for any irregularities indicating the coin was mounted and the pin holes filled and repaired.  Strategic points are normally 6 and 12 o'clock or 3 and 9 o'clock.

 Soldering

Often coins were soldered directly onto fob and other chains or loops soldered on the rim of the coin. Strategic point are normally 12 o'clock. However, check rim carefully all round if in doubt.  Coins were also mounted as cufflinks and brooches direct on the face of the coins. 
  Coins where pin holes have been repaired or soldering removed may seem perfect.  The fact is they are 'Ex Mount' and value reduces by anything up to 90%.  The coin, depending on its rarity and usefullness as a filler would be only about 10% to 25% of normal value.

Ex Clasp

 In more recent years, coins have been mounted without the intention of damaging them.  These should be carefully examined.  Depending on the extent of the damage, such a coin will lose between 15% to 60% of its value.