Canadian coins grading - 10 cents 1858 to 1901 - Victoria
The obverse shows a young representation of Queen Victoria wearing a laurel wreath within a beaded circle. It was designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, British engraver of the Victorian era.
The hair is braided at the temple and tied in a knot at the back. Highest points of wear are the braid of hair and laurel leaves around the ear and the eyebrow.
AG-3
Design and date are discernable, although some spots may be worn out. Some lettering should be apparent, if not necessarily readable.
G-4
Details are hardly visible in the hair and braid of the queen. Major illustrations and features are evident as outlines. although the coin overall is heavily worn.
VG-8
The queen's bread is visible around the ear but with a few detail. Full rim with clearly discernable illustrations and features. Most legends are readable clearly, but the whole coin is still significantly worn.
F-12
Laural leaves and braid near the ear are still worn, but the braid and the knot begin to merge. Distinct rim, all legends readable, clear illustrations showing some detail, but the whole coin is moderately, but evenly worn.
VF-20
The laurel leaves and braid are clear but not sharp. Clearly readable but lightly worn legends, illustrations show good detail, rims are clean, but the whole coin shows moderate wear on the high points and a little wear below.
EF-40
Legends are sharp, illustrations are clear with slight but obvious wear on the high points. The laural leaves and braid are sharp but with still some wear mainly near the ear.
AU-50
Sharp legends and illustrations show only a trace of wear on the highest points. There must be some remaining mint luster.
MS-60 to MS-70
Coins of these grades are uncirculated. The only traces of wear on these coins come from the contact with each other during their production at the Mint. The difference between these grades is too small to be reproduced in pictures and images.