Coin grading question

[TPring]

If you have a coin that looks EF on the obverse but only VG on the reverse, what is the expected/accepted way to determine the grade of the coin as a whole?

The higher grade, the lower grade, split the difference, other?

[Petespockets55]

The primary focus is on the obverse. PCGS grading says the reverse can't raise the overall grade but it can lower it.

It will probably depend on a couple of factors but I know one expert that says send your coins to the grading companies in the spring when the human outlook tends to be more positive/generous with less gloom.

[TPring]

Interesting -- Good to know. Though, seems a tad unfair to DDR varieties.

Thanks

[BadThad]

In my experience coins are graded "as a whole" and the individual sides are not each graded and averaged. For circulated coins, either side may sway the decision based solely on wear, as there are many other factors that come into play such as strike that can affect one side or the other.