Coin grading is the process of evaluating a coin’s condition and assigning it a numerical and descriptive grade based on the Sheldon grading scale. This standardized system, ranging from 1 to 70, provides a universal language for collectors and investors to assess a coin’s quality and value.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the Sheldon scale, highlighting key grades:
These coins show signs of wear and tear from being used in everyday transactions.
- PO-1 (Poor): Barely identifiable, often with heavy flattening and illegible date or mintmark.
- FR-2 (Fair): Heavily worn, with outlines of the design visible, but lettering may be gone.
- AG-3 (About Good): Most of the design is outlined, but the rims may be worn into the lettering or stars.
- G-4, G-6 (Good): Heavily worn, with the design outlined but little detail.
- VG-8, VG-10 (Very Good): Medium to heavy wear, but major design elements are visible, although faint.
- F-12, F-15 (Fine): Medium wear, but lettering is visible, although some details may be weak.
- VF-20, 25, 30, 35 (Very Fine): Medium to light wear, with all major details visible, along with some finer ones.
- XF-40, 45 (Extremely Fine): Light wear, mostly on the high points, with some original luster remaining.
- AU-50, 53, 55, 58 (About Uncirculated): Slight wear on the highest points of the design, with at least 50% of the original luster remaining.
These coins show no signs of circulation wear, retaining their original mint luster.
- MS-60, 61, 62 (Uncirculated): These coins may show abrasions, marks, or scuffs from contact with other coins during the minting process, [according to The Royal Canadian Mint].
- MS-63 (Select Uncirculated): Exhibits obvious contact marks and some loss of luster.
- MS-64 (Choice Uncirculated): Has moderate contact marks in less distracting areas and good luster.
- MS-65, 66 (Gem Uncirculated): Shows minimal markings and imperfections, with a nice original look and a good strike.
- MS-67, 68, 69 (Superb Gem Uncirculated): Exceptionally high quality with only minuscule imperfections, excellent eye appeal, and a good strike.
- MS-70 (Perfect Uncirculated): Flawless specimen, even under magnification, with a full sharp rim. This grade is rare, especially for older coins, [says The Royal Canadian Mint].
These are special coins struck for collectors, often with sharper details and a mirror-like finish. They are also graded on the 60-70 scale, but the designation “PR” or “PF” precedes the numerical grade (e.g., PR-70).
- Third-party grading services: Organizations like PCGS and NGC provide professional grading services, encapsulating coins in holders with their assigned grade.
- Factors impacting grade: In addition to wear, strike quality (sharpness of the design), luster (original shine), and eye appeal (overall attractiveness) significantly influence a coin’s grade.
- Beginner mistakes: Avoid cleaning coins before submitting for grading, as this can damage them and reduce their value. Not all coins are worth the cost of professional grading.
This chart provides a general overview, and specific grading criteria can vary slightly depending on the type and era of the coin. For detailed information and visual examples, consulting resources like PCGS Photograde is recommended.
What is the order of coin grading?
This changed to the letter grading system beginning with the lowest grade – Basal State (also Poor (PO)), then continuing Fair (Fr), About or Almost Good (AG), Good (G), Very Good (VG), Fine (F), Very Fine (VF), Extremely Fine (EF), Almost or About Uncirculated (AU), Uncirculated (Unc) and up to Brilliant Uncirculated …
How to grade coins yourself?
Good point! Poor-1: Coin is identifiable only by its date and type.
Good-4: Most to all detail is worn flat, and the rims are also worn, but most lettering is visible, if not particularly clear.
Very Good-8: Design is worn, but has some detail and is not flat.
Which is better, ngc or PCGS?
Thanks for asking. For valuable classic US coins, PCGS typically provides better long-term value despite higher costs. For world coins, modern issues, or budget-conscious collecting, NGC often represents the better choice. Consider using both services strategically as your collection and expertise grow.