Remember that coin grading is the representation of an opinion that describes the condition of an individual coin that most dealers and collectors would agree with. Coin grading is not an exact science where a formula can be applied, and everyone comes out with the same result. But over the years, numismatists, coin collectors, and coin grading services have agreed upon specific definitions, descriptions, and Sheldon’s numeric values that help all coin collectors accurately describe their coins’ condition. This photo illustrates the highest points of the coin’s design (indicated by the color red). If you think you have an uncirculated Mercury dime, look at these areas on the coin first to see if you can spot any wear. Even the slightest circulation will cause a disturbance in the mint luster of the coin. If there is evidence of wear, then it is not uncirculated. However, sometimes these coins were not fully struck. This resulted in incomplete strikes where some finer details were not pressed into the coin. This is usually evident on the highest points of the coin. Therefore, be careful not to confuse a weakly struck coin with a coin that has been circulated. Obverse: The original mint luster covers the entire coin. A few distracting contact marks exist on Lady Liberty’s face and in the field.Reverse: Original mint luster covers the entire surface of the coin. A few distracting contact marks exist on the blade and body of the fasces.
The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards of United States Coins Photograde: A Photographic Grading Encyclopedia for United States Coins Making the Grade: A Grading Guide to the Top 50 Most Widely Collected U.S. Coins Grading Coins by Photographs
