Coin Grading Scheme

So that collectors can have a standard on what to expect when given a coin grade, a coin grading system has been developed. This grading scheme utilizes adjectives and a numeric scale of 1-70.

The standards below vary from different types of coins and sometimes according to the date and are usually affected by other factors.

Uncirculated (Unc.), and higher grades: These are the terms that are used to describe coins with virtually no wear at all. An abbreviation of MS is usually assigned to these grades.

The presence or absence of  bagmarks, toning (discoloration), or a strong strike does not affect a coin's Uncirculated status, although such things can affect the numerical grade of the coin.

Coin grades are as follows:

• Poor (PO-1): Also known as Basal State, this coin grade is used when the coin is already barely recognizable. Most of the coin’s design and information are no longer visible and the coin is usually already flat.

• Fair (FR-2): Some contours may be visible but the letterings may not be visible. The rims are obliterated.

• About Good (AG-3): Also known as Almost Good. Most of the design of the coin will be recognizable. The rims have worn partly into the design.

• Good (G-4, 6): This may actually refer to a much worn out coin. But this grade describes a coin that has its general design visible and intact. The rim of the coin may be intact in the perimeter of the coin.

• Very Good (VG-8, 10): Coin may be worn out heavily but in this grade some of the letterings of the coin are already readable.

• Fine (F-12, 15): Coin may be worn out but only a medium wear. In this grade, all of the letterings on the coin is already readable and visible but may only be weak.

• Very Fine (VF-20, 25, 30, 35): Overall, the coin may be worn out but only a light wear. In this grade, all of the letterings on the coin is already readable and visible and strong.

• Extremely Fine (XF-40, 45, EF): Light wear over the high points only and traces of mint shine are on the coin’s surface.

• About Uncirculated (AU-50, 53, 55, 58): Also known as Almost Uncirculated. The coin has an over all wear ranging from extremely light to only a trace of friction on the highest points. It is also characterized by a medium to nearly full luster.

• Uncirculated (MS-60, 61, 62): This is often characterized by noticeable bagmarks and/or not having a very good luster.

• Select Uncirculated (MS-63): Can sometimes used to refer to a coin grading MS-62. This grade has fewer deficiencies than a plain circulated coin. In general, this will be an uncirculated coin with relatively ordinary eye appeal. Select Uncirculated is usually seemingly perfect to the normal eye.

• Choice Uncirculated (MS-64): Choice uncirculated has moderate deficiencies and appeal to an average eye. Mint luster is expected to be almost perfect at this grade.

• Gem Uncirculated (MS-65, 66): Mint luster is expected to be full. Gem uncirculated coin with only minor distracting marks or imperfections.

• Superb Gem Uncirculated (MS-67, 68, 69): An uncirculated coin with only the slightest distracting marks or imperfections. Toning is quite acceptable.

• Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70): No imperfections. Perfect luster and toning is excellent.