ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service) is a prominent coin grading service that provides independent, third-party authentication and grading for coins. Similar to other leading grading services, ANACS utilizes the established Sheldon Coin Grading Scale. This standardized scale assigns a numerical grade to coins based on their condition, ranging from 1 to 70. A grade of 1 signifies the lowest quality (Poor), while 70 represents a perfect coin (Perfect Uncirculated). The anacs coin grading scale provides a consistent framework for evaluating a coin’s state of preservation, which directly impacts its market value and collectibility.
The Sheldon Scale, developed by Dr. William Sheldon in the 1940s, was initially created for large cents but was later adopted and adapted for all coin denominations. It offers a precise method for describing a coin’s wear, luster, strike, and overall eye appeal. Understanding the nuances of the anacs coin grading scale is fundamental for collectors, dealers, and investors alike, as it offers a clear language for describing a coin’s quality.
The Foundation: The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale
The Sheldon Scale encompasses a wide range of grades, broadly categorized into circulated and uncirculated conditions. Each numerical grade within the anacs coin grading scale corresponds to specific attributes of a coin’s condition, allowing for a detailed assessment.
Circulated Grades (1-58)
Circulated coins are those that have been used in commerce and show varying degrees of wear. The lower the numerical grade, the more wear the coin exhibits.
- PO (Poor 1): A coin graded PO-1 is barely identifiable. While the date and mintmark are visible, the coin is heavily worn, and many design elements are obliterated. It represents the lowest possible grade for a recognizable coin. For a coin to receive this grade on the anacs coin grading scale, it must still be discernible as its original type.
- FR (Fair 2): A Fair 2 coin shows more identifiable features than a PO-1, but significant wear is still present. Some details of the design may begin to emerge, but the overall appearance remains very poor. The outlines of the design are generally visible, but details are flat.
- AG (About Good 3): An AG-3 coin has readable lettering, but the date and design elements may be worn smooth in many areas. The rims are often worn into the design. While the type of coin is clear, much of the finer detail is absent. This grade on the anacs coin grading scale indicates a coin that has seen extensive circulation.
- G (Good 4-6): Coins graded G-4, G-5, or G-6 have more of their design visible than AG coins. The rims are slightly worn but generally complete. The main outlines of the design are visible, but many parts of the coin are worn flat. For instance, a G-4 coin will show less detail than a G-6 coin, with the latter having more design elements discernable.
- VG (Very Good 8-10): A VG-8 or VG-10 coin shows all major design elements, though they appear flat. The rims show wear but are more distinct than in lower grades. Some of the original design details are beginning to emerge, but significant wear is still evident on the high points. A VG-10 will exhibit slightly more detail and less overall flatness than a VG-8 within the anacs coin grading scale.
- F (Fine 12-15): Coins in the Fine range (F-12, F-15) exhibit a bolder design with an overall pleasing appearance. Moderate wear is visible on the high points, but all major details are clear and distinct. Minor details may still be worn flat, but the coin has a much more defined look than Very Good examples. The anacs coin grading scale distinguishes between F-12 and F-15 based on the extent of detail remaining.
- VF (Very Fine 20-35): Very Fine coins (VF-20, VF-25, VF-30, VF-35) show moderate wear on the high points of the design, but all major details are clear and well-defined. Some of the finer details, such as hair strands or small design elements, are visible. The fields may show some light scratches from circulation. The higher the VF grade on the anacs coin grading scale, the less wear is present.
- EF/XF (Extremely Fine 40-45): An Extremely Fine coin (EF-40, EF-45, or XF-40, XF-45) shows only light wear on the design throughout. All features are sharp and well-defined, with only slight flattening on the highest points. Traces of original mint luster may be visible in protected areas. An EF-45 coin will exhibit even less wear and more sharpness than an EF-40, reflecting its superior preservation within the anacs coin grading scale.
- AU (About Uncirculated 50-58): About Uncirculated coins (AU-50, AU-53, AU-55, AU-58) have very light wear on only the highest points of the design. The coin retains nearly full mint luster, typically 90% or more, except for the very points of contact. The wear is minimal and often appears as a slight sheen loss rather than actual metal removal. An AU-58 coin is almost indistinguishable from an uncirculated coin, with only the slightest evidence of friction on the very highest points. This grade signifies a coin that was barely circulated before being removed from commerce, making it a highly desirable condition on the anacs coin grading scale.
Uncirculated Grades (60-70)
Uncirculated coins, also known as Mint State (MS), have never been used in commerce and retain their original mint luster. These grades represent coins in their purest form, free from the wear and tear of circulation.
- MS (Mint State 60-70): Mint State coins are those that have never circulated. They retain their original mint luster and show no signs of wear. The numerical designation from 60 to 70 within the anacs coin grading scale differentiates the quality of the uncirculated coin.
- MS-60 (Basal Uncirculated): An MS-60 coin is technically uncirculated but may have significant detracting marks, contact marks, or noticeable flaws from the minting process or handling. It lacks eye appeal compared to higher MS grades.
- MS-61, MS-62, MS-63 (Typical Uncirculated): These grades represent coins that are uncirculated but may have a noticeable number of contact marks, scuffs, or nicks. Luster may be somewhat impaired or uneven. An MS-63 is generally considered a “Choice Uncirculated” coin, offering a better appearance than MS-60 to MS-62.
- MS-64 (Choice Uncirculated): An MS-64 coin is a well-struck uncirculated coin with good luster and fewer detracting marks than lower MS grades. Minor flaws are present but do not significantly detract from the coin’s overall appearance.
- MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated): An MS-65 coin is considered “Gem Uncirculated.” It is a highly attractive coin with strong luster, a sharp strike, and very few, if any, noticeable contact marks or flaws. Any imperfections are minor and not distracting. This is a benchmark grade for many collectors seeking high-quality uncirculated coins.
- MS-66 (Superb Gem Uncirculated): An MS-66 coin is an exceptional uncirculated coin with excellent eye appeal. It boasts full, vibrant luster, a sharp strike, and very few, if any, minute imperfections that are difficult to detect without magnification.
- MS-67 (Superb Gem Uncirculated+): An MS-67 coin is a truly superb uncirculated coin. It exhibits outstanding eye appeal, full and pristine luster, and a nearly flawless surface. The strike is sharp, and any minor imperfections are almost imperceptible.
- MS-68 (Near Perfect Uncirculated): An MS-68 coin is an extremely high-grade uncirculated coin, nearly flawless to the naked eye. It possesses full, blazing luster, a perfect strike, and virtually no imperfections. Any microscopic flaws are extremely difficult to find even under magnification.
- MS-69 (Near Perfect Uncirculated): An MS-69 coin is an exceptional uncirculated coin that is almost perfect. It has a full, brilliant luster, a perfect strike, and only a microscopic imperfection that is barely visible under 8x magnification. It represents the pinnacle of uncirculated quality prior to perfection.
- MS-70 (Perfect Uncirculated): A coin graded MS-70 is considered a “Perfect Uncirculated” coin. It is flawless even under 8x magnification, exhibiting no imperfections, contact marks, or detracting elements whatsoever. The strike is full and sharp, and the luster is pristine. An MS-70 coin is the highest possible grade on the anacs coin grading scale and signifies absolute perfection.
Beyond the Numbers: Problem Coins and ANACS Grading
ANACS also provides grading services for “problem coins.” These are coins that, despite their potential original grade, have been altered or damaged through processes such as cleaning, corrosion, environmental damage, or having been bent or holed. For such coins, ANACS provides a numeric wear level (e.g., VF-20) along with a specific descriptor of the problem (e.g., “Cleaned,” “Corroded,” “Environmental Damage,” “Holed,” “Bent,” “Scratched”). This approach allows collectors to understand the base condition of the coin while acknowledging the factors that detract from its original state.
This distinct service by ANACS is beneficial for collectors interested in historical pieces that may not be pristine but still hold numismatic value due to their rarity or significance. The transparency provided by the anacs coin grading scale for problem coins helps in making informed decisions about their acquisition.
The Significance of Third-Party Grading
The role of a third-party grading service like ANACS is crucial in the numismatic market. It provides an objective and consistent assessment of a coin’s condition, which helps to:
- Ensure Authenticity: ANACS authenticates coins, verifying that they are genuine and not counterfeits.
- Standardize Grading: By applying the Sheldon Scale consistently, ANACS provides a uniform grading standard that is recognized across the industry. This consistency is a cornerstone of the anacs coin grading scale.
- Build Confidence: Collectors and dealers can have confidence in the grades assigned, reducing disputes and facilitating transactions.
- Increase Liquidity: Graded coins are generally easier to buy and sell because their condition is certified by an impartial expert.
- Protect Value: Accurate grading helps to protect the value of a coin collection by providing a reliable assessment of each coin’s quality.
The anacs coin grading scale is a vital tool for anyone involved in coin collecting. Its comprehensive nature, ranging from heavily circulated to perfectly uncirculated examples, provides a clear and consistent method for evaluating coin condition. By understanding each grade, collectors can better assess the quality, rarity, and ultimately, the value of their numismatic acquisitions.
What does ANACS MS70 mean?
MS70 stands for Mint State 70, and it represents the pinnacle of perfection in coin condition.