The AU-58 grade, also known as “Very Choice About Uncirculated-58”, represents a coin that is very nearly uncirculated. It sits at the top of the About Uncirculated (AU) category, which includes coins with the barest traces of wear but are still desirable and often visually appealing.
Here’s a breakdown of the characteristics of an AU-58 coin:
- Wear: An AU-58 coin will exhibit only the slightest traces of wear, primarily on one or more of the highest points of its design. This wear is often subtle, requiring close inspection to discern, and it might appear as minor softness or a slight color difference in those areas.
- Contact Marks: Coins graded AU-58 should not have major detracting contact marks. While some minor marks may be present, they should not significantly impact the coin’s overall appearance.
- Luster: AU-58 coins typically retain nearly full original mint luster. This is a key factor differentiating them from lower-grade AU coins, which may have reduced or impaired luster.
- Eye Appeal: An AU-58 coin is expected to have attractive eye appeal, often resembling a higher-grade coin at first glance. They are generally well-struck and considered appealing pieces by collectors.
AU-58 versus Mint State
A common point of discussion among collectors revolves around the distinction between AU-58 and Mint State (MS) grades, especially MS-60. The key difference lies in the presence or absence of circulation wear. An AU-58 coin shows a tiny amount of wear on the high points, while an MS-60 coin, by definition, shows no wear, although it might be unattractive due to other factors like bag marks, dull luster, or weak strike.
In some instances, an AU-58 coin with exceptional eye appeal can be visually more appealing and even command a higher value than a low-grade MS coin (like an MS-60, MS-61, or MS-62) that might be riddled with distracting imperfections. This is because the AU grade primarily focuses on the amount of wear, while the MS grade also considers factors such as strike quality, luster, and the number and location of contact marks.
The AU-58 grade represents a high-quality circulated coin that can be a desirable and sometimes overlooked option for collectors. It combines a near-uncirculated state with potentially excellent visual appeal, making it a noteworthy grade in the numismatic world.
What does AU 58 mean in coin grading?
From my experience, Almost Uncirculated 50, 53, 55, and 58
In general, lower-end AU coins (ex. AU-50) will have low eye appeal, with a lot of bag marks, low luster, etc. AU-58 coins, however, are typically very well struck and appealing pieces that have almost unnoticeable wear.
What does AU mean on coin grading?
Thanks for asking. ALMOST UNCIRCULATED (aU):A coin with traces of wear at the highest points of the coin, but no other signs of use, and at least half of its original mint lustre is present.
What is the difference between MS60 and AU58?
An MS60 will exhibit no circulation wear, whereas an AU58 will yield a small amount of wear or rubbing on the highest points of the coin. An 1878 8 Tailfeathers Morgan Dollar in the grade of PCGS AU58. Click image to enlarge. An 1878 8 Tailfeathers Morgan Dollar in the grade of PCGS MS60.
Are AU graded coins worth anything?
While many BU coins are more valuable than AU coins because of their detail and luster, AU coins may provide newer collectors with an option closer to their budget. While an AU coin will show some wear and lacking in full luster, these coins are still in collectible condition.