Sitting Bull BU Scores High Grades

In numismatics [n**:** the study or collection of coins, tokens, and paper money and sometimes related objects (as medals) - Merriam-Webster], the value of a medallion or coin is related directly to its scarcity and condition. The quality of the condition has come to be designated by professionals through the use of a scale ranging from 1 – 70, with a score of 70 reflecting the highest possible quality.

The original scale was published in 1949 (revised in 1958) by Dr. William Sheldon to aid in evaluating the condition of early American copper large cents. Although Sheldon’s book Penny Whimsy:A Revision of Early American Cents, 1793-1814; An Exercise in Descriptive Classification with tables of rarity and value included the scale intended to grade copper pieces as they related to the 1794 large cent, the Sheldon Scale has since been adopted across the industry for use in evaluating almost all minted medallions.
Among those who collect AOCS Approved medallions for their historic or artistic significance, the score provided by professional grading firms is important. Being focused, as we are, primarily on the functionality of our tokens, it is pleasantly surprising for us to hear about the grades given when a new design is evaluated. Thanks to those who share the scores they receive on their rounds.

Recently we were pleased to be informed that random selections of the new half ounce silver Sitting Bulls were being consistently scored at MS-68 (Mint State – 68).Thanks to Al in New York for sharing the results.