Grading British Coins

laurentyvan

At the RNA show this weekend I came across an 1825 Farthing in XF which was priced at $47.50 which seemed a little steep to me. I asked the dealer if he had any room to move. He replied that the coin was very conservatively graded but he did relent (a little) and I purchased it for $45. Once home I tried to justify my purchase and am having trouble doing so. Krause tells me over 4 million minted with XF at $22.00 and UNC at $75.00. If he did grade it conservatively then perhaps a mid-point of $45 is not unjustified but lack of knowledge of grading standards for British coins is hindering me. What do I look for in this coin (grading tips, thanks!) and is there an equivilent to photograde for British coins?
I see a lot of GB coins on E-Bay with high mintages that seem to go for too much by relation to book, others with low mintages seem sometimes to go for less. Is it a case of high quality coins fetching significantly more and low significantly less?
Thanks for the help-Laurent

spinaker2000

Can you post a scan??

newbiecollector

Linky

Have a look here and see if it helps..

laurentyvan

If I could, I would but I still can't. Old computer just crapped out and I purchased a Sony Vaio this weekend and am gearing up for a digital camera but probably won't get it before Christmas. I guess if someone could discuss the grading particularities of this particular farthing as regards the series it would be of help to me.

SYRACUSIAN

Laurent,your new coin spinks at GBP 40 in XF if it's any consolation (2003 prices).

(Far from being an expert),I believe that the shield on the reverse is the first place to look at for some wear in these coins.

spinaker2000

Also try Colin Cooke's site for grading examples. As far as British grading standards go, that farting list for 40 pds in Spink for an XF. If the dealer graded it XF and was conservative enough to make it a US abt UNC or AU, then it may meet the British XF criteria, and you paid a fair price.

santelia

Perhaps it was a dealer I know. I was at the same show on Sunday. Living down in Livonia Center. Picked up some nice Canadian tokens, and a bunch of 19th century coins, including a 2 obali from the Ionian Islands in Greece!