Coin Grading – The In’s and Out’s

Posted on by Sofia Soares
Coin Grading
There are a number of coin grading scales to bear in mind when looking into coins and their condition. It can be very daunting and confusing if you are unsure what you are looking for, so we have broken it all down for you, from historical grading to the present day; UK and US.

In Britain, the original grading scale classed every coin as either ‘Fine’ or ‘Extremely Fine’ – these were the only options. As times changed, extra steps were added into that scheme: ‘Good’ and ‘Very Good’, both below Fine, and ‘Very Fine’, below Extremely Fine. That created five grading steps, which was even further expanded over time by dealers by adding ‘Almost’ or ‘Good’ to any of those grades, with ‘Almost Fine’ being less than Fine and ‘Good Fine’ being better than Fine, but less than ‘Almost Very Fine’.

For over one hundred years this was the grading scheme in Europe, and it didn’t include the grade ‘Uncirculated’, for the simple reason that it was considered that any coin that came from circulation couldn’t be ‘uncirculated’.

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A Beginners Guide to Coin Collecting

Posted on by Sofia Soares
coin-collecting
Coin collecting – or ‘numismatics’, the technical term – can be a rewarding and enjoyable past time. Many people begin their coin collecting journey after inheriting a coin or collection from a family member, or sourcing a coin for a particular sentimental event. However you start coin collecting, it is a hobby that falls across generations young and old, and is actually said to be one of the world’s oldest hobbies.

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Ask the Expert – Peter Hutchison – Q&A

Posted on by Sofia Soares
ask the expert

Here at Hattons of London, we pride ourselves on being coin experts. That’s why we decided to introduce our ‘Ask the Expert’ series , with our own Heritage Coin expert, Peter Hutchison. Peter has years of experience in the coin industry, residing in Australia but having a strong interest in British coinage in particular. Every week he’s answering a different question on on of the greatest sovereigns in the world. Today however, we’re talking to Peter about how his interest in heritage coins began, and what his favourite coins are.

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Coin Collecting Glossary – What You Need to Know

Posted on by Sofia Soares

If you’re interested in starting your own coin collection, but want to do a bit of research beforehand, we think the perfect place to start is learning some of the key terms.

Coin collecting can be both rewarding and intimidating at the same time, with it often seeming like coin collectors are speaking their own unique language. With that in mind, we have put together a glossary of terms to help you along the way and to allow you the best possible chance of starting and progressing your coin collection.

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