Medal Condition Guide for Sanda Lipton's English Antique Silver Web site

	Grading and Description of Medals
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.	When describing the condition of historical medals and others, a standard of grading has evolved which has become universally accepted. This is a very effective and convenient means of description. The actual grades from the top down are:-	.
	As Struck - As Issued - Mint State All three of these terms are self explanatory and describe medals which have scarcely been handled at all. E.F. - Extremely Fine Medals in this grade have been handled but do not show any obvious signs of wear. Apart from a few minor scratches, their condition appears to be more or less as it was when they were made. V.F. - Very Fine Medals in this grade would still be acceptable to a collector. The wear on the medals would be limited to the high spots and the details of the rest of the medal would all be clear. F. - Fine Noticeable signs of wear would be evident over the entire surface of these medals. On the high spots, fine details such as hair, lace etc. might be entirely worn away. Sometimes the terms “about” or “nearly” are used to show that the condition of a medal is almost up to the next fixed grade but not quite. So, for example, a medal might be described as being “nearly extremely fine”.
	Toning is believed to improve a medal and so a toned medal should be described as such. This is why medals should never be cleaned, only washed. On the other hand, edge knocks, discolouration, corrosion, dents, scratches and any other disfigurements should all be mentioned. Also, if a medal is pierced or if the piercing has been plugged, this should also be mentioned.

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