The Sheldon coin grading scale is a 70-point numerical system used to assess a coin’s condition and determine its value. Here’s a breakdown of the grades, their abbreviations, and general descriptions:
| Numerical Range | Abbreviation | Grade | Description |
|—|—|—|—|
| 1 | PO | Poor | Barely identifiable, heavily worn, and possibly damaged; date and mintmark may be illegible. |
| 2 | FR | Fair | Heavily worn but with key details visible. |
| 3 | AG | About Good | Extremely worn, with almost any primary details barely discernible. |
| 4-6 | G | Good | Noticeable yet heavily worn major components; outline of design elements visible. |
| 8-10 | VG | Very Good | More distinct but rather worn details; major design elements are visible. |
| 12-15 | F | Fine | Lightly flattened on high points with moderate wear; some detail remains. |
| 20-35 | VF | Very Fine | Moderate wear with some texture and crisper features; bold details. |
| 40-45 | EF/XF | Extremely Fine | Light wear on design and high points; all major details sharp. |
| 50-58 | AU | About Uncirculated | Slight wear on highest points; most luster remains; full details. |
| 60-70 | MS | Mint State | Shows little to no signs of wear; original mint luster present. |
| 60-70 | PF/PR | Proof | Specially struck with prepared dies and planchets, often with multiple blows for sharper detail [according to PCGS]. |
- Circulated vs. Uncirculated: Grades 1-58 are for circulated coins, while 60-70 are for uncirculated (Mint State) coins.
- Mint State Subgrades: MS grades 60-70 indicate increasing quality based on factors like strike, luster, and lack of contact marks.
- Plus Grades: A “+” can be added to grades XF-45 through MS/PR-68 for exceptional eye appeal [notes PCGS].
- Details Grades: Coins with significant flaws may receive a “details” grade with a verbal descriptor instead of a numerical one.
This scale helps collectors and dealers assess a coin’s condition and rarity, which impacts its value.
Is PR70 better than MS70?
PR70 coins are typically more expensive than MS70 coins due to their superior quality, limited mintage, and the meticulous minting process involved, making them more desirable to collectors.
What does MS 60 and MS 63 mean in coins?
Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) – A coin with some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prime focal areas. Luster may be impaired. Uncirculated (MS-60) – A coin that has no trace of wear, but which may show a number of contact marks, and whose surface may be spotted or lack some luster.