Numismatics

  The United States Mint has issued a call for artists to join in its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP). Established in 2003, the Mint AIP contracts with gifted, professional American artists who represent diverse backgrounds and a variety of interests. The AIP was specifically designed with the objective of enriching and invigorating the designs of United States coins and medals. The program meets that goal by developing a pool of talented external artists who are prepared to work closely with the Mint’s staff, including the chief engraver and Medallia artists, to create and submit new designs for selected coin and medal programs throughout the year. Interested artists are highly encouraged to submit applications for consideration. The Mint will be accepting applications for the program beginning at noon EST Jan. 23. Applicants must fill out an application form and submit five to 10 images of work from their portfolio. The Mint is especially interested in artists who will bring innova

GRADES   P-00 (No Grade): This "grade" is used for coins in which the coin, date, and/or mintmark cannot be identified. This grade is used only for coins in very bad condition. This grade is not used by the popular grading services, like PCGS and NGC. P-01: This is used when the date, type, and mintmark can be identified, but the other details cannot. The rims are worn, the high details are gone, and the coin is in poor condition. FR-02: The coin is in poor condition, the rims are barely visible, and few details are visible.  AG-03: Most letters and details on the the coin are visible and/or readable. G-04: Letters are mostly full, but rims are worn. G-06: Letters and many details are full and the rim is less worn. VG-08: The entire coin is worn and letters, while full, are soft. VG-10: The entire coin is worn and the letters, while full, are soft, but sharper than VG-08. F-12: Letters are sharp, but parts of the coin are still worn. F-15: Letters are sharp, but parts of the