| Did you know that there is a grading scale that | | | | Very Fine (VF) coins on the other hand have |
| was developed for coins, so that collectors can | | | | sharp major features and very light to medium |
| agree on how much a coin may be worth? The | | | | wear. These coins while still looking very nice tend |
| scale goes from 0 to 70, with 70 being absolutely | | | | be less expense than coins that grade higher. In |
| perfect. Of course, despite the numerical grading | | | | fact, you can find many VF coins in rolls of coins |
| there is still much debate about a coins actual | | | | from your bank. These grades are VF 20, VF 25, |
| grade and final value, which is really in the eye of | | | | VF 20 and VF 35. The last grade in the fine |
| the beholder. | | | | category is Fine (F). The key on this grade is that |
| Coin dealers, for example, may grade a coin | | | | while fairly worn, you can still see a lot of the |
| higher on the scale so that they can ask a higher | | | | detail of the design. This grade is typically F 12 |
| selling price for it. Often, when you try to sell the | | | | and F 15. |
| same coin, the grade and the value tend to be | | | | And now for the good category ratings. First, we |
| lower. Coin dealers after all are in business to | | | | start with Very Good (VG). Characteristics are a |
| make a profit. If you don't know how to grade | | | | full rim and a lack of detail on the entire design. |
| coins and are not comfortable with the grading | | | | Typical grade for these is VG 8 and VG 10. The |
| scale, you should take a friend that knows how | | | | Good (G) grade does not require a full rim to be |
| to grade or expert with you when you plan to | | | | visible and usually the coin is very worn so that |
| buy coins on the open market. | | | | the design is not visible in all areas. Finally, About |
| Now let's look at the different rating scales and | | | | Good (AG) coins are fairly worn, but you can still |
| what they mean. As was mentioned earlier, 70 is | | | | read most letters. These are usually graded as |
| absolute perfection. Coins that are in Mint State | | | | AG 3. |
| (MS) will grade out between MS 60 and MS 70. | | | | The final category of grading called Fair (FR) is |
| These coins are fresh from the mint, never | | | | what collectors typically use as filler coins in their |
| circulated and usually protected in some manner. | | | | collections for the rarer, more expensive coins. |
| The next level down is called Almost Uncirculated | | | | These worn coins can still cost collectors up to as |
| (AU). For a novice, it is very difficult to tell the | | | | much as $50. These coins are so worn that |
| difference from some AU Coins and an MS 60 | | | | sometimes the dates are not clearly visible. |
| coin. In fact, some AU coins may actually look | | | | So when you are ready, go down to the bank |
| better than MS coins to the untrained eye. | | | | and get yourself a roll of pennies, nickels and |
| Knowing where the high points are will make it | | | | quarters and practice grading these coins. Take |
| easier for you to grade the AU coins. The AU | | | | the coins and compare them with the pictures |
| scale is made up of AU 50, AU 53, AU 55 and AU | | | | available in books and on websites and grade |
| 58. | | | | them according to the descriptive characteristics |
| There are several other grading levels starting | | | | listed for each denomination. Soon you will be able |
| with Extra Fine (EF). These coins have wear that | | | | to tell the difference at least between the major |
| is fairly easily detectable. However, one thing to | | | | categories. The finer grading will come with time |
| keep in mind is that for each denomination or coin | | | | and experience. Keep in mind that even experts |
| type, the criteria may vary depending on the | | | | will disagree on the final grading of a coin. |
| design. These grade out as EF 40 and EF 45. | | | | |