On CCF, Crabeater recently a question was asked about what to look for when grading KGVI florins, with respect to the reverse side. In essence the OP was asking what starts to wear first?
Do any of our learned members have there own way of grading this situation? The literature that I have seen mainly deals with KGV obverse markers (pearls, diamonds etc) which apply to all denominations.
Hi ttkoo, Years ago I came across a GV1 florin where the obverse was mint uncirculated. When I looked at the reverse I noticed that the apex of the rim had a slight flattening but no wear on the device's. What I think might have happened was the coin was placed on a table with the obverse up and slid across, causing the slight wear to the apex of the rim..There's plenty of GV1 florins that look look like there's wear on the devices but are just soft strike/worn die..I always look at the rim first..
Quote from: 'serenitystan' pid='128739' dateline='1700625239'Hi ttkoo, Years ago I came across a GV1 florin where the obverse was mint uncirculated. When I looked at the reverse I noticed that the apex of the rim had a slight flattening but no wear on the device's. What I think might have happened was the coin was placed on a table with the obverse up and slid across, causing the slight wear to the apex of the rim..There's plenty of GV1 florins that look look like there's wear on the devices but are just soft strike/worn die..I always look at the rim first..
Thanks Serenitystan. That's something I wouldn't have thought of and worthy of retention. Cheers
You mean George VI don't you - won't be any crowns with Diamonds in them, unless its George V or you are looking at a colonial coin from Fiji.
My General guide for George VI
UNC - Lustre, no wear anywhere including his eyebrow, cheek or any part of the hair. He has high cheekbones and these were high relief. Silver coins can also appear like a misty frosted lustre.
[attachment=4170] Uncirculated with lustre darkness - Canadian Quarter
AU - Lightest rubbing on top of the the hair, eyebrow and cheek tip - almost indetectable on Aussie silver coins as they have that blurry look to them. Lustre is still possible at this grade.
EF. Visible light wear on top of cheek, eyebrow is getting flat and some light wear over raised parts of hair, the part in the hair should be very sharp and the KIng's lips are sharp. Lettering and rim are still sharp. Some lustre may remain, but in general some EF pieces can have none.
[attachment=4171] NZ Halfcrown in better EF condition
VF. At this grade, wear is more obvious, but you can still make out the full hairline along the head, the ear is complete and sharp and some individual hairs should be sharp, most visible. Can have flatness on the cheek and the top of the hair above crown. Pockets of lustre may remain. Rim may have some wear on it.
[attachment=4173] VF but not a standard example, this is the reverse of the famous 1952 UK Halfcrown found in circulation in the UK in 1967 - described as VF, it is unique.
Fine. Unless its a rare date or type, generally this is a mediocre grade for KGVI - You expect to see most of the ear, but right side is worn into the hair, hairlines have blended flat and the hairline above the head is mostly visible. Flatness on cheeks, hair and chin. No lustre and the rim is still sharp but clearly worn along with lettering which is a bit flatter. You should be able to make out most of the part, lips fully visible. The eye is fully sharp
[attachment=4169] - Fine, worn south African Halfcrown (80% with blackish wear).
VG. - George is little more than an outline with big areas of smooveness. You can see about half the ear, curl of his nostril, bottom lip, but not top and the rim will be blending with the beads. Unless its like a 1942 3d or 1939 Florin, what is the point of a coin this worn. Eye is still clear but getting misty at the back.
Good. - I have seen this bad on some NZ halfcrowns and Canadian silver, but mainly South African Silver (All these places had the uncrowned head by Humphrey Paget). You have George as a full silhouette independent of rim and fields. You may make out some ear, nose and eye shape. The rim now is wearing into the coin and letters are very flat.
[attachment=4172] Between Good and VG, this NZ crown from 1949 was someone's pocket piece and was abnormally worn for a long time.