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We are writing this guide to help you collectors grade artifacts using standardized rules.
Recently I seen an E-bay seller listing a few points graded as G-10's These points were clearly a G-7 at the most. I sat and wondered just how many fellow collectors knew the true grade of these points. Below are the nationally recognized rules when grading arrowheads / points.
Factors that influence the grade of points:
Condition: Perfection is the rule. Nicks, chips and breakage will reduce the grade.
Size: A larger point will grade higher than a smaller point of the same type.
Form: The closer a point is to a classic example for the type the higher the grade.
Symmetry: Points exhibiting a balanced shape and design are graded higher.
Flaking: Points with precision percussion and secondary flaking showing a minimum of hinge fractures and problem areas such as stacks are graded higher. Points exhibiting collateral or oblique transverse flaking patterns will enhance the over all grade.
Thinness: The thinner the better provided the point is not classically thick.
Points are graded on a scale of 1 to 10+ with a 10+ being the highest.
G-10+: The perfect point. One of the few half dozen best known to exist of the type. The point is perfect in every way, thinness, flaking, material, symmetry and form. The best example you would ever expect to see for the point type. This grade is extremely rare, and applies to both medium to large size points that normally occur in the given point type.
G-10: A perfect point, including thinness, flaking, symmetry and form. This grade is also extremely rare and applies to all sizes of the points that normally occur in the type. A point does not have to be the largest known to qualify for a G-10.
G-8 or 9: A near perfect point but lacking just a little in either size, material or thinness. The point may have a small defect which keeps it out of the G-10 category. The grade is still very rare which most high grade points would fall into this grade.
G-6 or 7: A better than average grade but not quite nice enough to get a higher ranking of 8 or 9. The flaking, size and symmetry are a little above average. Points of this grade are still hard to come by in most states and are a very collectable grade.
Grade-4 or 5: This is the average quality found. The flaking, thickness and symmetry is average. There may be 2 or 3 very minute nicks present but none considered serious.
Grade-1 to 3: Field grade points that have below average overall quality. Better points with more serious faults, dings and damage would fall into this grade. This is the most common grade of point found.
Regardless of the true grade of an arrowhead, an authentic G-1 is still better than the flawless e-bay fake!
Please be sure to vote yes below if you found this information helpful in grading arrowheads.
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