|
In simple terms, in a grade of VF there will be significant wear to the minor details but no major detail can be completely worn through. Some of the smallest of the major details (such as the leaves in a laurel wreath) may be partially worn through on the aVF specimens. This gives rather broad range of coins that qualify, and the grade of VF does have the broadest range of any grade.
click on image for enlargement
This denarius is at the upper end of the VF range and should be properly graded gVF. Note how every leaf in the laurel wreath is complete and relatively sharp, but that the tops of the leaves are worn fairly flat enough that the coin cannot be graded XF (in this case it may be due to weakness in the strike on the highest points, but it does not matter if it is due to wear or strike).
click on image for enlargement
This denarius is a very average VF. Note how every leaf in the laurel wreath is largely visible and distinct, but the leaf at the highest point (just above the ear) is worn through on only its lower edge (the top edge is visible).
click on image for enlargement
This denarius is the very lowest end of the VF range and really grades aVF. Note how the laurel wreath is still complete across on its top edge (one that wears through the coin becomes a Fine), but the lower leaves are blurring together, no longer separate and distinct.
There is a complexity in the VF grade, in that very high relief coins wear very quickly at the highest point and some allowance must be made for this. Likewise, very low relief coins can show considerable over-all wear before details begin to wear through, and allowance must be made for this.
Next page : FINE | 
