For veiled head coppers there are four main areas which distinguish a F coin from a VF one. There are others but 50 years experience have lead me to the conclusion that these are the most reliable. First and most obvious is that all the components on the Union Jack shield should be distinct (yes), you should also be able to see each of Britannia's fingers where she is clasping the trident (no) and the seam between the raised faceplate and her helm (no).
The obverse is much easier. The Great White Queen should have the Order of the Garter on her left shoulder but it's completely worn away.
Of the four main areas you should expect at least three of them to be visible. Coins do wear unevenly so if one, or rarely two, elements are weak it may be compensated by the others. Which of course is why grading coins is an art and not a science as those ghastly Sheldon Scale groupies claim.
In the case of this particular coin only one of the four criteria is met, Britannia's shield and while it may arguably be enough to warrant a +, VF is stretching the envelope.
Don't be alarmed or intimidated by the nuances of grading. Victorian coppers have always been my first love. It's not really necessary to apply such a rigorous examination to every coin. I'm quite happy to say that 90% of my coins are superficially graded. If it looks like a VF then by God, it's a VF.
In the case of coins with higher value I might do a little research and look at a few reliably graded examples before committing myself to a grade but for the most part I'm prepared to wing it. The idea of learning the intricacies of a series just to determine if a coin is worth 10 cents or 25 cents just doesn't seem a wise use of my time.
Well done Ben, nailed it right away. I recall how hesitant you were during your first ever swap, seems like years ago. You have certainly developed "the eye"with consistent and accurate grades and although I don't participate too much anymore, I still read the forum occasionally.
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
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