The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 7, February 12, 2006, Article 20

TERMS OF CONDITION FOR MEDALS

The January 2006 issue of Medal Collectors of America's
MCA Advisory contained an article by frequent E-Sylum
contributor Dick Johnson.  In the article he proposed that
the standard terms for coin conditions do not apply to medals.
Why? Because they do not circulate.  His position: Can you
legitimately call medals "uncirculated"?

Like terms of condition from one hundred years ago --
when there were only four such conditions -- Dick has come
up with four new terms for medals. He claims all medals
could fit within these four categories:

"Pristine -- Unblemished, perfect, fresh, new, could not
be better; no holes, no dents, no scratches. As the piece
came from the die or mold.  Formerly unc.

Mellow -- Pleasant appearance and pleasing quality. May
have a few imperfections, perhaps an edge dent or two,
but these are not severe. A satisfactory, collectible
condition. Formerly: AU. EF, XF.

Haggard -- Some attrition of surface conditions. A little
longer in the tooth. Shows its age and a little more damage.
A dent or two or a scratch or two. You would want to replace
this if a better specimen came along, but for now it can
stay in your collection.  Formerly VF, F, VG.

Eroded -- Worn away by environmental conditions. Here the
damage is quite perceptible. Not a desirable specimen.
Perhaps it is in the collection only because of its rarity.
Formerly: good or fair."

What say you, E-Sylum readers?

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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