Graded conservatively. Guaranteed in writing.
The Changes Hands Grading Standard (CHGS) is how every house-graded coin is graded: two blind graders, fixed per-series criteria, and a written guarantee.
CHGS is the in-house grading standard Changes Hands uses for raw coins in the house tier (grader code HG). Every house-graded coin is authenticated, checked for problems, and graded blind by two qualified graders against fixed, per-series criteria. When the graders disagree, or there is any doubt, the coin takes the lower band. Coins with problems (cleaning, damage, alterations) never enter a normal band. A coin later found to be overgraded by one band or more is bought back or replaced, and Changes Hands covers the price difference.
Bands
About Good
Heavily worn. Design outlined but largely flat, rims worn into the legends.
Good
Heavily worn, but the full design is outlined, the date is fully readable and the rims are complete or nearly so.
Very Good
Well worn, but the major design elements are clear and some interior detail is visible.
Fine
Moderate, even wear. All major features are bold, and key series diagnostics such as LIBERTY, horn and fasces lines are present.
Very Fine
Light to moderate wear on the high points. Most fine detail is visible and design elements are sharp.
Extremely Fine
Light wear confined to the highest points. All detail is sharp, and traces of mint luster may remain in protected areas.
About Uncirculated
Trace wear (friction) on the highest points only, with at least half of the original mint luster remaining.
Uncirculated
No wear at all. The coin may show contact marks, weak strike or subdued luster. This is a send-out tier.
The grade guarantee
Every coin graded and listed under CHGS (tier house, grader HG), for band, problem designation and attribution (date, mint, variety and pool eligibility), and for authenticity.