The new Charlton grading scale operates in terms of so-called "Demerit Points" for the Unc grades. I like this new concept of demerit points because it is quantitative and largely unambiguous. Also, a note must be fully original (i.e., not pressed or processed) to earn an Unc rating. If it's been pressed then the highest possible grade will be an AU. Trimming is not explicitly mentioned in the context of grading Unc notes but perhaps it is implicitly included in the definition of a "processed" note?
By definition, a demerit point can be any one of several types of minor imperfection, e.g., a light counting crease (without broken fibres), an edge bump (stubbed corner), paper toning (light browning), a soft corner, etc.
A GEM UNC (GCU65) note is not allowed to have any demerit points and will have near-perfect centering. A CHOICE UNC (CHCU63) note will have no more than one demerit point but can be slightly off-centre. A "regular" UNC (CU60) note will have no more than three demerit points.
It's possible that the new grading scale will undergo a few minor "adjustments" in the future as people start applying the new grades and ironing out
any possible ambiguities or inconsistencies that may arise.
The new Charlton grading scale is a major numismatic milestone and triumph in my opinion. I believe that the quantitative concept of "demerit points" is entirely new and original on the numismatic scene and that it should be applauded.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2007, 05:15:31 pm by Ottawa »
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" Buy the very best notes that you can afford and keep them for at least 10 years. " (Richard D. Lockwood, private communication, 1978).