Grading Standards
SANGS uses the internationally accepted Sheldon grading scale of 1 to 70, the industry standard since the late 1940s. Below are the grading standards for each numeric grade, strike types, and designations.
SANGS defines a Mint State or Proof 70 coin as having no post-production imperfections at 5× magnification. It represents absolute perfection — the highest grade attainable on the Sheldon scale. A coin graded 70 exhibits a full, sharp strike, complete original lustre, and flawless surfaces with no contact marks, hairlines, or blemishes of any kind.
Method of Production
SANGS uses a two-letter code before a coin's numeric grade to describe its method of production.
The Sheldon Scale
Each numeric grade describes a coin's condition precisely. As the number increases, the coin's preservation is considered superior. Some numbers are skipped below 60, which is the threshold for Uncirculated.
Surface Characteristics
Beyond the numeric grade, coins may receive additional designations describing surface characteristics — particularly important for copper coins and specimens with special reflective qualities.
Evaluation Criteria
Professional graders evaluate several interrelated factors when assigning a grade. Understanding these helps you assess your own coins and set realistic expectations before submitting.
The sharpness and completeness of the design as impressed by the dies. A strong, full strike shows every intended detail — from hair strands to mint marks. Weak strikes result in flat or mushy details, even on uncirculated coins.
The condition of the coin's surfaces — free from scratches, gouges, and contact marks. Bag marks from contact with other coins during transport are common on uncirculated issues and are a primary differentiator between MS-60 and higher Mint State grades.
How light reflects off the coin's original mint surface. Full, unbroken "cartwheel" lustre — the band of light that rotates as you tilt the coin — is the hallmark of an undisturbed surface. Cleaning or environmental damage breaks up lustre permanently.
The overall visual impression. This subjective but critical factor considers colour, toning, surface quality, and strike as a whole. Two coins with the same technical grade can differ significantly in eye appeal — the more attractive coin will nearly always command a higher price.
The physical removal of metal through circulation. Wear appears first on the highest points and progresses to flatter areas. Graders distinguish wear from strike weakness — a critical distinction, as a weakly struck Mint State coin can resemble a worn circulated piece.
The natural chemical change in surface colour over time. Attractive natural toning in blue, violet, or gold can enhance value, while uneven, dark, or spotty toning detracts. Artificial toning is detectable by experienced graders and is not considered an enhancement.
Best Practices
Proper handling preserves a coin's grade and value. A single fingerprint on a Mint State coin can reduce its grade by several points.
Always grip coins by their rim. Oils and acids from skin cause permanent discolouration and microscopic damage.
Use clean cotton or powder-free nitrile gloves. Even freshly washed hands leave fingerprints that become etched into metal.
Cleaning destroys value. Abrasive cleaning creates hairlines; chemical dipping strips lustre. Grading services note cleaned coins, which trade at steep discounts.
Store in inert holders, capsules, or archival-quality flips. Mylar-window 2×2 holders are safe and affordable for long-term protection.
Handle coins above a padded tray or soft cloth. If a coin slips, let it land — don't grab it. A single thumbprint can cost hundreds of rands.
PVC leaches a green, oily residue that corrodes metal over time. Use only PVC-free holders for numismatic storage.
Terminology
Key terms every collector should know.
The front or "heads" side of a coin. On South African coins, the obverse typically features the national coat of arms or the portrait of a former head of state.
The back or "tails" side. On South African coins, the reverse generally displays the denomination and a national motif — such as the Springbok on the Krugerrand.
The thin side surface of the coin, sometimes called the "third side." Edges may be plain, reeded (ridged), lettered, or ornamented — historically used as an anti-counterfeiting measure.
The principal inscription on a coin, typically running around the rim. On South African coins, often includes the country name in multiple official languages and the denomination.
A small letter or symbol indicating where a coin was struck. "SA" denotes the South African Mint in Pretoria. Some older issues struck at the Royal Mint in London carry different marks.
A variation from differences in the dies — repunched dates, doubled dies, die cracks, and die clashes. Some varieties are extremely rare and carry significant premiums.
The natural sheen produced during minting. Created by the flow of metal into the die, producing microscopic striations that reflect light in a "cartwheel" pattern. A key indicator that a coin has not been cleaned.
Natural discolouration over time due to chemical reactions. Silver coins commonly develop blue, violet, amber, or rainbow toning. Attractive original toning can increase value; artificial toning detracts.
The tamper-evident, sonically sealed plastic case encapsulating a graded coin. Displays the grade, certification number, and description. SANGS holders are designed for long-term archival preservation.
A record showing how many examples of a particular coin have been graded at each level. Helps collectors understand relative rarity — a coin with only two graded MS-65 and none higher is far scarcer in that condition.
A coin collected as a representative of a design or series, rather than for its specific date or mintmark. Popular among SA numismatists building era-representative collections.
A date within a series with significantly lower mintage, making it scarcer and more valuable. Examples include the 1898 single-shaft Kruger Pond and certain low-mintage Union pennies.
A method of manufacture, not a condition. Proof coins are struck on polished planchets using polished dies, often multiple times, producing mirror-like fields. Modern SA proof sets are struck annually at the SA Mint.
A coin produced for general circulation using standard dies at normal striking pressures. The vast majority of coins in existence are business strikes, graded on the MS scale when uncirculated.
The blank metal disc struck into a coin. Cut from rolled metal strips and often upset (given a raised rim) before striking. Planchet defects — laminations, clips, impurities — affect grade.
The raised design elements — portraits, coat of arms, animals, lettering, numerals. Wear appears first on the highest points of the devices, making them the primary area graders examine.
The flat, open areas between the raised devices and the rim. On proofs, fields are deeply mirrored. Contact marks in open fields are more detracting than marks hidden within the design.
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