ARCHIER SCALE 

ARCHIER SCALE

The Indian Standard for Numismatic Grading

Created by Ujjwal B U Pant, Founder, AINCERT
All India Numismatics Council of Educational Research and Training
Established 30 April 2026

What is the ARCHIER Scale?

The ARCHIER Scale is India's first and only original numismatic grading system, created exclusively for Indian coins. It was developed by Ujjwal B U Pant at the age of 12 and formally adopted by AINCERT on its founding date of 30 April 2026.

The scale is named after the Archer Type Gold Dinar of Chandragupta II of the Gupta Empire, struck approximately 375 to 415 AD. This coin is widely considered the finest and most artistically accomplished ancient Indian coin ever produced. Ujjwal B U Pant holds an original Chandragupta II Archer Type Gold Dinar in his personal collection.

The ARCHIER Scale operates on a score of 1 to 100, making it more precise and nuanced than the internationally used 70 point Sheldon Scale. A score of 100 represents the ARCHIER 100, described as the Indian Pinnacle, a theoretically perfect coin.

Why a New Scale for India?

International grading scales such as the NGC and PCGS Sheldon Scale were developed primarily for American and European coins. They do not account for the unique characteristics of Indian coinage across 4,000 years of numismatic history, including punch marked silver karshapanas, Gupta gold dinars, Mughal silver rupees, princely state issues and modern Republic India proof sets.

The ARCHIER Scale was designed specifically to address the grading needs of Indian coins across all periods and dynasties, from Harappan proto currency to 21st century commemorative issues.

How the ARCHIER Scale Works

A coin is assessed across five criteria. Each criterion is scored out of 20, giving a maximum total of 100.

Criterion 1 is Surface Preservation. This assesses scratches, marks and damage on the coin surface. A coin with no marks scores 20. Minor marks score 14. Moderate damage scores 8. Heavy damage scores 3.

Criterion 2 is Strike Quality. This assesses the sharpness and clarity of design details. A full strike scores 20. Slight weakness scores 14. A weak strike scores 8. A very weak strike scores 3.

Criterion 3 is Luster and Patina. This assesses the original surface glow or natural aging of the coin. Full luster scores 20. Partial luster scores 14. A dull surface scores 8. No luster scores 3.

Criterion 4 is Eye Appeal. This assesses the overall visual attractiveness of the coin. Exceptional appeal scores 20. Above average scores 14. Average scores 8. Poor appeal scores 3.

Criterion 5 is Edge Condition. This assesses nicks, dents or damage on the coin edge. A perfect edge scores 20. Minor nicks score 14. Several nicks score 8. Heavy edge damage scores 3.

The five scores are added together to produce the final ARCHIER grade out of 100.

ARCHIER Grade Reference Table

ARCHIER 100 represents a perfect score of exactly 100. This is the Indian Pinnacle, a theoretically flawless coin.

ARCHIER MS covers scores from 86 to 100. This is Mint State, meaning Near Perfect. The coin is uncirculated with virtually no imperfections.

ARCHIER AU covers scores from 71 to 85. This is About Uncirculated, indicating only the slightest wear on the very highest design points.

ARCHIER EF covers scores from 56 to 70. This is Extremely Fine, indicating minor wear with all design details sharp and clear.

ARCHIER VF covers scores from 41 to 55. This is Very Fine, indicating moderate wear with major features still sharp.

ARCHIER F covers scores from 26 to 40. This is Fine, indicating heavy wear with all design elements still visible.

ARCHIER FR covers scores from 11 to 25. This is Fair, indicating very heavy wear.

ARCHIER P covers scores from 1 to 10. This is Poor, meaning the coin is barely identifiable.

Why the Name ARCHIER?

The name honours the Archer Type Gold Dinar of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya of the Gupta Empire. On this coin, the king is depicted standing and drawing a bow, with the Garuda standard to his left. It is struck in high purity gold and represents the absolute peak of ancient Indian die engraving and coin artistry.

AINCERT chose this coin as the namesake of its grading scale because it represents the ideal against which all Indian coins should aspire to be measured.

AINCERT Copyright 2026. ARCHIER Scale is a trademark of AINCERT.
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