Remember that coin grading is the expression of an opinion that describes the condition of an individual coin that most dealers and coin collectors would agree with. Grading Peace silver dollars is not an exact science. Therefore, a procedure cannot be applied where everyone comes out with the same result. Numismatists and coin grading services have agreed upon specific definitions, descriptions, and Sheldon’s numeric values that help coin collectors and dealers describe their coins accurately to each other. Also, look at real coins to help you understand these terms and descriptions so you can accurately grade your Peace Silver dollars. The photo at the left illustrates the highest points on the Peace Silver dollar design—indicated by the color red. If you think you have an uncirculated Peace Silver dollar, look at these areas on the coin first to see if you can spot any wear. If there is wear, then it is not uncirculated.
Obverse
Liberty’s head is almost worn smooth with only the rough outline of significant details being evident. The rim has merged with the field of the coin in most places. Circulation in commerce may have caused some of the lettering to be worn away.
Reverse
The eagle is mostly just an outline. The rock that the eagle is standing on is also only an outlined, and “PEACE” has been completely worn away. The rim is worn away and has merged with the field. Various lettering may be missing.
Obverse
Liberty’s head is well-worn, but major details are visible. The rim is mostly intact, and all lettering is at least partly visible.
Reverse
The eagle is well worn, and the neck feathers are distinct from the wing feathers. The rim is worn but is mostly separate from the field. All lettering is visible, but “PEACE” may be weak or missing in some spots.
Obverse
Liberty’s hairline is now starting to show near her forehead and the cheek. The rim, although worn, is complete and does not bleed into the field. The hair that covers the lower part of the rays is worn but distinct.
Reverse
The word “PEACE” is complete. The rim is full and does not merge into the field.
Obverse
The waves of hair above the forehead lack finer detail but are distinct from the other waves of hair. The rays show a trace of wear but are full and discrete.
Reverse
Feathers on the eagle’s wing and leg are worn flat, and some details on the neck feathers are starting to show. All lettering is full and complete showing very little weakness but may be heavily worn.
Obverse
The waves of hair above the forehead and over the ear are worn, but some of the more delicate details are starting to become apparent. All lettering, although worn, is complete and well defined.
Reverse
Major details in the eagle’s feathers on the wing and leg are starting to become apparent. All lettering is full. “PEACE” is complete and whole but shows signs of wear.
Obverse
All of the hairlines are complete with wear only apparent on the highest points. The rays are crisp and sharp. Some evidence of mint luster may be noticeable.
Reverse
All major details in the feathers show. Most wear is concentrated on the top of the eagle’s wing. Other subtle details are starting to become apparent. “PEACE” is crisp and sharp with only some minor wear.
Obverse
Most of the mint luster remains in the protected areas with a trace of wear on the hair covering the ear. The cheek shows minor wear and no signs of mint luster.
Reverse
All feathers are clear and identifiable but wear is apparent on the Eagle’s wing feathers and leg feathers. “PEACE” is crisp and sharp with only slight wear noticeable on the tops of the letters.
Obverse
All details are crisp and complete. Some slight friction may have disturbed the luster on the hair over Liberty’s hair, cheek, and the lower neck. Bag marks and nicks are obvious in the field in front of Liberty’s face and on her cheek.
Reverse
All of the feathers on the Eagle’s wing and leg are crisp and complete, but the mint luster is disturbed. Some abrasions and nicks will be apparent on the rays and in the field behind the Eagle.
Obverse
The mint luster is outstanding and complete with only a few minor nicks and bag marks in less conspicuous places.
Reverse
All details in the Eagle’s feathers are bold with no signs of wear. A few scattered nicks or bag marks may be found upon close inspection.
Obverse
No traces of wear are evident anywhere on the coin. There are no distracting marks and the mint luster, and strike is above average.
Reverse
All details of the coin are present even on the highest points of the coin, and the eye appeal is superb.
Coin World’s Making the Grade: Comprehensive Grading Guide for U.S. Coins Grading Coins by Photographs The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection
