COIN GRADING

Coin Collector Grading Standards

For detailed illustrations and more information see the Official ANA Grading Standards for United States Coins book, or the Coin Grading Assistant software book.

Proof  (PR)-  A special struck coin normally made by the mint for collectors.  Proof coins show an extra sharpness of detail that comes about because of the minting process and special dies that are used during minting.  Proofs usually have a mirror like surface or back ground.  Proof coins are uncirculated when they are released, but can grade below PR60 if mishandled or improperly stored after minting.  The attribute PR or PF is an abbreviation for proof.  For more information on the difference between a proof and uncirculated coin, see this article.

Uncirculated  (MS, or mint state) -  Uncirculated coins are minted for circulation or special collector sets and have not received wear.  Like the proof coins above an uncirculated coin may grade from a MS60 to MS70 depending on blemishes, toning or slight imperfections such as minor marks received during the minting process. Some uncirculated coins are made with special enhanced coin dies to give them extra details.   Note: Grades listed below are not all inclusive.  Example, even though not listed the grading scale includes MS69, MS68, MS67, MS66, etc.

MS70 (or PR70) -  MS70 is about as perfect a coin as you can get.  It is of  finest possible quality, showing no trace of wear, scratches, handling or marks from coming in contact with other coins. MS70 coins are very scarce in older years, with some years or mint marks being non-existent.

MS65 (PR65) - An Uncirculated coin with above average brilliance and features.  It may show light toning, or a few minor contact marks on the surface and rim, due to coming in contact with other coins during the minting process. 

MS60 (PR60) - A MS60 coin is still uncirculated and may show a good number of bag marks (contact marks) as well as surface spotting, or lack of mint luster.  A coin of MS59 or below is not considered uncirculated (mint condition).

AU55-  About Uncirculated or Almost Uncirculated -  An AU coin will have only light wear on the highest parts of the coin design. Often will still show the mint luster or frosted surface of an uncirculated coin.

AU50 - About Uncirculated or Almost Uncirculated - Has light wear on some of the highest points, however a little more than an AU 55 will exhibit.  Some of the mint luster will be evident.

EF-45 (Extremely Fine or Extra fine) - Minor wear on highest features. Design details remain very sharp. EF40 may show slightly more wear on the high features.

VF-30 Very Fine - Even wear on the background and and higher parts of the design. All lettering remains and and major feature details are still somewhat sharp. A VF20 shows slightly more wear.

F12 - Fine -  A Fine condition coin shows a fair amount of throughout the coins surface.  Fine details may be worn, however the overall design is still pleasing.

VG-8 Very Good - A Very good coin will have missing minor features and a somewhat flat surface.  It is well worn, but still readable and recognizable.

G-4 Good -  Some might say a "good " condition coin is not so good.  It will be heavily worn with the overall design visible but faint in some areas.

AG-3 About Good - an AG coin is very worn with parts of the lettering or date worn smooth. Sometime AG coins will have barely readable dates.

For more details on coin grading see the books Photograde or the Official ANA Grading Standards for United States Coins, or the Coin Grading Assistant software book.