As there is no common rule among Italian numismatic experts for notation and terminology, the method used by Monetaio SRL is set out below. In specific cases, minor formal variations may be made to meet descriptive needs.
FIOR DI CONIO (FDC) · MINT STATE
The coin is in mint state, as if freshly struck. It has not circulated and has suffered no damage or wear after minting. It retains mint lustre.
SPLENDIDO (SPL)
The coin shows minimal wear on the highest points, which remain sharply defined; lower relief is intact. Much of the original lustre remains.
BELLISSIMO (BB)
The coin shows substantial wear on the higher relief and partly on lower details. All parts remain clearly readable, except possibly some very small details.
MOLTO BELLO (MB)
The coin has considerable wear, making some parts illegible or indistinct. It remains clearly identifiable.
BELLO (B)
Only a few areas remain readable; the coin is often not clearly identifiable at first glance.
For more precise grading, additional notation is placed before or after the grades above:
The “q” before a grade means “almost”: the coin is very close to the following grade. Example: qFDC (almost mint state)
The “+” after a grade means “better than”: the coin is slightly better than the preceding grade. Example: SPL+ (better than SPL)
The “/” between two grades means the coin lies halfway between them. Example: BB/SPL (between BB and SPL)
The “-” between two grades means the two sides have different conditions. The obverse (/D) is listed first, then the reverse (/R). Example: SPL+ - SPL/qFDC (better than SPL on the obverse and SPL/almost mint state on the reverse).
EDGE KNOCK(S)
The coin has one or more edge knocks caused by impact.
REPAIRED EDGE
The coin’s edge, or parts of it, has been repaired by metalworking to try to restore its original state. This is often found on coins removed from a previously attached mount, or coins that had edge knocks.
REPAIRED
The coin shows areas of repair or attempted repair. This may include filled holes or tooling of the surface.
POLISHED/BRUSHED
The coin has been polished or brushed and shows the characteristic marks and scratches of these treatments.
DEFORMED
The coin is distorted from its original shape, with flattening, bends and/or waviness of the flan.
EXCEPTIONAL
The coin displays unusual freshness of metal, usually with a very high condition grade, making it exceptional for its type.
PLEASING PATINA · BEAUTIFUL PATINA
The coin has a natural patina appropriate to its type and age, particularly pleasing to the eye.
RED COPPER · PARTIALLY RED COPPER
Copper coins retain their characteristic original red surface colour.