About Us
F.A.Q.Coin grading is a term used to refer to the process of determining the condition or quality of a coin, and therefore its value. It is essential to know what the grade is of a particular coin, because, as a general matter, the higher the grade of a coin, the higher its numismatic value.
Coins are graded on a 0-70 point scale devised by Dr. William Shelby years ago. Today, this code is combined with letters to create a great coin grading scale that anyone can follow. The details can be found in the Official A.N.A. Grading Standards for United States Coins published by the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Under this method of grading, the higher the point scale accorded a particular coin, the better its quality.
The process of grading a coin is partly subjective and partly an art, rather than a true science. Accurate grading requires many years of skill and experience. However, determining an approximate grade is possible for even the novice coin collector.
The different grades for coin grades are as follows, starting with the best possible grade and working our way down from there.
ANA Grading Standards
| PF Proof | A specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail and usually with a brilliant mirror like surface. Proof refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition, but normally the term implies perfect mint state unless otherwise noted and graded as below. |
| Mint State or Uncirculated | The terms Mint State (MS) and Uncirculated (Unc.) are interchangeably used to describe coins showing no trace of wear. Such coins may vary to some degree because of blemishes, toning or slight imperfections as described in the following subdivisions. |
| MS70 Perfect Uncirculated | Perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The finest quality possible, with no evidence of scratches, handling or contact with other coins. Very few regular issue coins are ever found in this condition. |
| MS65 Choice Uncirculated | An above average Uncirculated coin which may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on the surface or rim. MS67 through MS62 indicate slightly higher or lower grades of preservation. |
| MS60 Uncirculated | Has no trace of wear but may show a number of contact marks, and surface may be spotted or lack some luster. |
| AU55 Choice About Uncirculated | Barest evidence of light wear on only the highest points of the design. Most of the mint luster remains. |
| AU50 About Uncirculated | Has traces of light wear on many of the high points. At least half of the Mint luster is still present. |
| EF45 Choice Extremely Fine | Light overall wear shows on highest points. All design details are very sharp. Some of the Mint luster is evident. |
| EF40 Extremely Fine | Design is lightly worn throughout, but all features are sharp and well defined. Traces of luster may show. |
| VF30 Choice Very Fine | Light even wear on the surface and highest parts of the design. All lettering and major features are sharp. |
| VF20 Very Fine | A moderate amount of wear is noticeable on the high points of the coin's design. All major details are clear. |
| F12 Fine | The coin shows moderate to considerable even wear throughout. Entire design is bold with an overall pleasing appearance. |
| VG8 Very Good | Well worn with main features clear and bold although rather flat. |
| G4 Good | Heavily worn with the design visible but faint in areas. Many details are flat. Common coins in "Good" condition are not particularly desirable pieces for collectors. Rare or valuable coins in this condition, however, are often saved when no others are available. |
| AG3 About Good | Very heavily worn with portions of lettering date and legends worn smooth. The date may be barely readable. |
Grading Guides
Third party services:
| PCGS - Professional Coin Grading Services Includes prices and descriptions of grading and authentication services. |
| NGC Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America Submit most US and world coins for grading through an authorized member/d... |
| Independent Coin Grading Offering blind submission through a CPA firm to eliminate submission bias... |
| PCI INC Accepts direct submittals from the general public, collectors and dealers... |
| Ancient Coin Certification Service David R. Sear provides an authoritative aid to collectors and dealers who... |
| ASA Accugrade, Inc. Devoted to the education and protection of the consumer since 1984. |
| Coin Grading Australia A third party grading service with a variety of services and fees. Grade US... |
| Numistrust A fully insured, comprehensive grading and encapsulation service. Coins ... |
| Robert Matthews Coin Authentication Specialises in the scientific examination and authentication of British mil... |
| Sovereign Entities Grading Service, Inc. Grading and encapsulating service for U.S. coins, errors, and varieties. |