I know the pics are a bit dodgy but anybody care to have a stab at a grade for this Sydney sovereign.
Very nice coin. I would take a punt and say (from the photo) VF+. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
My take is better than VF. I'd say if it were mine it's EF or nEF (near extra fine). There is rim damage though. Stick it into a mylar holder and album. But if you want to sell it to me... meh I'd say "fine" at very best. So how about spot +$50?
Very nice coin EF ? Leave to soak in 50/50 water washing up liquid for a couple of days, then gentle clean with fingers in water as hot as you can stand. It'll come up mint
Hotter the better, coin expands (very very slightly) interupting the coating of years of gunk, and the detergent works better when in hot water solution. That's what I find compared to cleaning in cold water. Shot of hot water from the kettle in to the glass every time you make a brew keeps things going. The longer you leave it to soak, the better the results. Try it. If you want to get really intense........ after the prolonged soaking clean coin with a toothbrush with some neat washing up liquid on it, rinsing off under a warm/hot tap, repeat toothbrushing /rinse / repeat etc. I use my old electric toothbrush, soft bristle attachment, very light pressure. Idea is to get the coin to spin in your hand as your cleaning it. There you go , that's my secret technique
The problem is you will destroy any numismatic value left in the coin. I wouldn't even clean worn common year sovereigns. Old coins should look old, with genuine lustre, otherwise they are metal value only. The best way to experience is to collect Franklin Mint proofs. They can be cleaned or hammered they will stay bullion value regardless.