Hammered Coin Grading

Two simple steps - with photographs - to grading hammered coins -

Step I   - Check to see if the edge of the coin is complete

2/3rds to full edge
EF

1/2 to 2/3rds  edge
VF

1/3rd to 1/2 edge
F

Example - 1652 Halfcrown, small 2 in date
Step I - half edge = VF
Step II - significant wear or weak strike = VF minus 1 grade = Fine

Minimal Wear
and
no weak strike
same grade

EF

Highpoint wear
and / or
areas of weak strike
and / or
corrosion
1/2 grade less

gVF

Significant wear
and / or
weak strike
 1 grade less

VF