| The Coin Grading Systemby Robert L Taylor, JD | | | | highest points of the design but no other |
| | | | defects and with most of its luster |
| Coin grading is a term used to refer to the | | | | remaining. |
| process of determining the condition or | | | | |
| quality of a coin, and its full identity. It | | | | 5. About Uncirculated (AU-50) |
| is essential to know what the grade is of a | | | | |
| particular coin, because, as a general | | | | Coin has evidence of light wear on many of |
| matter, the higher the grade of a coin, the | | | | the 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 scale | | | | 6. Extremely Fine (EF-40) |
| devised by Dr William Shelby. The details | | | | |
| can be found in the Official A.N.A. Grading | | | | The coin design is lightly worn in most |
| Standards for United States Coins published | | | | places 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, the | | | | 7. Choice Very Fine (VF-30) |
| better its quality. | | | | |
| | | | Light even wear on the surface and highest |
| The process of grading a coin is partly | | | | parts of the design but most major features |
| subjective and partly an art, rather than a | | | | and 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 coin | | | | worn. 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 perfect | | | | Moderate to considerable even wear over most |
| condition, showing no traces of wear, and no | | | | features and the lettering. A lot of the |
| blemishes, scratches, handling or contact | | | | details are worn through but you can still |
| with other coins. The best quality coin | | | | see 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 which | | | | rims still visible. |
| retains all of the original mint brilliance | | | | |
| or luster, and has a very few contact marks | | | | 11. 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 wear | | | | 12. About Good (AG-3) |
| but which has a few contact marks, surface | | | | |
| spotting or lacks some of its original | | | | Very 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 | | | | |