| The Coin Grading Systemby Robert L Taylor, JD | | | | 4. Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55 & 58) |
| Coin grading is a term used to refer to the | | | | A coin having very light wear on only the highest |
| process of determining the condition or quality of | | | | points of the design but no other defects and |
| a coin, and its full identity. It is essential to know | | | | with most of its luster remaining. |
| what the grade is of a particular coin, because, as | | | | 5. About Uncirculated (AU-50) |
| a general matter, the higher the grade of a coin, | | | | Coin has evidence of light wear on many of the |
| the higher its numismatic value. | | | | high points but at least half of the mint luster is |
| Coins are graded on a 0-70 point scale devised by | | | | still present. |
| Dr William Shelby. The details can be found in the | | | | 6. Extremely Fine (EF-40) |
| Official A.N.A. Grading Standards for United States | | | | The coin design is lightly worn in most places but |
| Coins published by the American Numismatic | | | | all the features remain sharp and well defined. |
| Association (ANA). Under this method of grading, | | | | 7. Choice Very Fine (VF-30) |
| the higher the point scale accorded a particular | | | | Light even wear on the surface and highest parts |
| coin, the better its quality. | | | | of the design but most major features and the |
| The process of grading a coin is partly subjective | | | | lettering are sharp. |
| and partly an art, rather than a true science. | | | | 8. Very Fine (VF-20) |
| Accurate grading requires many years of skill and | | | | Minor features such as some of the finer hair |
| experience. However, determining an approximate | | | | detail, feathers, etc. will be moderately worn. |
| grade is possible for even the novice coin | | | | Shows moderate wear on high points of design. |
| collector. | | | | All major details are clear. |
| The basic point scales that define coin grades, are | | | | 9. Fine (F-12) |
| as follows: | | | | Moderate to considerable even wear over most |
| 1. Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) | | | | features and the lettering. A lot of the details are |
| Mint state uncirculated coin in perfect condition, | | | | worn through but you can still see a good deal of |
| showing no traces of wear, and no blemishes, | | | | the design. 10. Very Good (VG-8) |
| scratches, handling or contact with other coins. | | | | The entire design is weak, but a few details are |
| The best quality coin possible. | | | | visible. Well worn throughout but coin rims still |
| 2. Choice (Gem) Uncirculated (MS-65-69) | | | | visible. |
| An above average uncirculated coin which retains | | | | 11. Good (G-4) |
| all of the original mint brilliance or luster, and has a | | | | Heavily worn but design and legend still visible |
| very few contact marks on the surface or rim, | | | | although quite weak in spots. Many details are |
| which are barely noticeable. | | | | gone. |
| 3. Brilliant Uncirculated or BU (MS-60-64) | | | | 12. About Good (AG-3) |
| An uncirculated coin having no traces of wear but | | | | Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date |
| which has a few contact marks, surface spotting | | | | and legends worn smooth and barely discernable. |
| or lacks some of its original luster. | | | | Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins! |