Grading Ancient Coins

 If you are familiar with grading US coins, let alone world coins, you're ahead of the game.

If you can grade world coins too, you're further ahead. 

Ancient coins usually have suffered some environmental damage or influence to a larger degree than modern coins because of their history. So with ancients you have two primary aspects to consider when evaluating a coin: 1) it's wear or technical grade; and 2) it's present condition as affected by environmental factors. 

With modern coins, you have to be cognizant of number 2, i.e. environmental factors like encrustation, porosity, corrosion, glue, etc.- but with moderns these issues are less common. 

Ancient coin condition or its level of preservation is always paramount along with the wear or technical grade.  

Take for example this Constans late imperial bronze coin - how would you grade it?

Here's my answer: about VF (Very Fine) details, full patination but rough in spots.

When grading an ancient, you want to look at both sides, however. The final grade typically averages the two sides, but the obverse or heads side carries more weight as with modern coin grading. 

How about this Licinius bronze coin below:

My answer: XF details evident by full hair details, sharp facial and crown features, smooth/unworn fields around face and legend lettering, nice light-green patina. A coin of this caliber might simply be given an XF (extremely fine) grade, with no further mention of condition.

In sum, be mindful of the amount of wear a coin has and it's level of preservation or condition. For wear, you have to see many examples of a given type to know what is good detail vs more worn states. Experience is key, and this goes for discerning die wear from circulation wear also, which can sometimes complicate things. 

Practice! Look at graded coins online, validate seller descriptions, be an informed collector and you'll have grading down in no time.