Grading...

If a coin, that by face appearance (looking at it front on) clearly has a grade of au or any other for that matter, but when laid flat has a slight bend or twist to it. Would you grade it at face or would you bring it down a grade?  My question  applies to all coins types including rare specimens aswell. Thanks in advance.
Lysdexic1  

I would lower the grade a bit.

FYI, France's "un ultimo franc, Last Franc" (2001, KM 1290) was minted in a wave form. Therefore it does not lay flat.

Major flaws such as holes, harsh cleaning, prominent gouges and buckling should be listed independently of grade.

For the most part a coin with significant issues is something I regard as a cull, although I don't mind a little light cleaning as the toning will eventually come back.  Some people don't mind coins with holes, I try to avoid them. Everyone has a different view on what constitutes a ruined coin.

I would grade the coin as if it were perfectly flat but note the flaw in the comments. If you were to merely drop a grade, say to VF, then someone expecting a trouble-free VF coin is going to be disappointed, but if the condition is fully disclosed a collector who doesn't have a problem with a slightly bent coin will be delighted.

Some coins tone in a very ugly manner; brass coins for example are prone to getting a "dirty" look which is not appealing. As this is quite natural for these issues then it ought not to affect the grade although if the discoloration is really severe it should be noted just as a courtesy to the other party.

I hope this makes sense.

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts.

Pnightingale I think you're on the money. I had recently purchased a rare coin from a reputable dealer for a very good price. I was a little peeved that when upon receiving it, the grade given was spot on but it did have a slight bend to it. Luckily I was given an out as the dealer was more than happy to refund the winner if they were not satisfied.
I had sourced other opinions from other collector/dealers and they were in agreement that it was still the right grade, and because it has performed fairly well over the years regarding value I've decided to keep it.
As you've mentioned, it would've been fair to have disclosed that flaw in the auction's descripition.
Thanks!

Happy collecting!  

I like what Pnightingale said, it makes good sense. I recently sold a Napoleon III Five Centimes which was in good condition apart from some pretty heavy side dents. Rather than giving it a grade I just gave it an honest accurate description, and the person I sold it to was very pleased when he received the coin. At the end of the day giving a coin a grade is just a lazy way of describing its condition so it isn't always 100% useful to use the grading system on its own.