COIN CLASSIFICATION GUIDE

After much thought, we present here the comparative table of the Anglo-Saxon scale, the Sheldon scale (the one used by the graduation houses) and the traditional Spanish scale.
This scale issue is not a precise science, and different numismatists and experts may vary in their classification of coins. In fact, it's normal for there to be variations among experts when grading the same coin.

• The grades “Good Extremely Fine” (GEF/EBC+), “Good Very Fine” (GVF/MBC+), “Good Fine” (GF/MBC-) and similar grades correspond to intermediate and hybrid positions between two main steps.
• In the Spanish system, it is common to use MBC-, MBC, MBC+ and EBC-, EBC, EBC+, etc., to adjust the graduation without losing precision.
• The Sheldon scale (1–70) is used primarily internationally and for capsule certification; the Spanish scale is used primarily for auctions and Iberian literature.
• “Proof” (Flower of Uncirculated) is not exactly the same as “Uncirculated” or “SC,” as it always corresponds to a mint proof or special issue. However, it is also comparable to MS-70.

Describing what a coin must have to fall into each of these grades is another matter, as there are many definitions. It's normal to look at what the leading experts in our country have to say, primarily Jesús Vico, Cayón, Aureo, and Calicó, or Tauler and Fau, though not exclusively.

The description provided by the certifying agencies is also very important. Let's look, as an example, at the definition provided by the American NGC for each category on its website , and here's the same table translated into Spanish:

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