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The Coin Grading System

The Coin Grading Systemby Robert L Taylor, JDhighest points of the design but no other
defects and with most of its luster
Coin grading is a term used to refer to theremaining.
process of determining the condition or
quality of a coin, and its full identity. It5.  About  Uncirculated  (AU-50)
is essential to know what the grade is of a
particular coin, because, as a generalCoin has evidence of light wear on many of
matter, the higher the grade of a coin, thethe high points but at least half of the mint
higher  its  numismatic  value.luster  is  still  present.
Coins are graded on a 0-70 point scale6.  Extremely  Fine  (EF-40)
devised by Dr William Shelby. The details
can be found in the Official A.N.A. GradingThe coin design is lightly worn in most
Standards for United States Coins publishedplaces but all the features remain sharp and
by the American Numismatic Association (ANA).well  defined.
Under this method of grading, the higher the
point scale accorded a particular coin, the7.  Choice  Very  Fine  (VF-30)
better  its  quality.
Light even wear on the surface and highest
The process of grading a coin is partlyparts of the design but most major features
subjective and partly an art, rather than aand  the  lettering  are  sharp.
true science. Accurate grading requires many
years of skill and experience. However,8.  Very  Fine  (VF-20)
determining an approximate grade is possible
for  even  the  novice  coin  collector.Minor features such as some of the finer hair
detail, feathers, etc. will be moderately
The basic point scales that define coinworn. Shows moderate wear on high points of
grades,  are  as  follows:design.  All  major  details  are  clear.
1.  Mint  State  Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70)9.  Fine  (F-12)
Mint state uncirculated coin in perfectModerate to considerable even wear over most
condition, showing no traces of wear, and nofeatures and the lettering. A lot of the
blemishes, scratches, handling or contactdetails are worn through but you can still
with other coins. The best quality coinsee a good deal of the design. 10. Very Good
possible.(VG-8)
2.  Choice  (Gem)  Uncirculated  (MS-65-69)The entire design is weak, but a few details
are visible. Well worn throughout but coin
An above average uncirculated coin whichrims  still  visible.
retains all of the original mint brilliance
or luster, and has a very few contact marks11.  Good  (G-4)
on the surface or rim, which are barely
noticeable.Heavily worn but design and legend still
visible although quite weak in spots. Many
3.  Brilliant  Uncirculated  or BU (MS-60-64)details  are  gone.
An uncirculated coin having no traces of wear12.  About  Good  (AG-3)
but which has a few contact marks, surface
spotting or lacks some of its originalVery heavily worn with portions of lettering,
luster.date and legends worn smooth and barely
discernable.
4.  Choice  About  Uncirculated  (AU-55 & 58)
Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins!
A coin having very light wear on only the



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