Learn how to professionally grade coins using the Sheldon Scale (1-70)
Light wear on highest points, most luster remains. Attractive coin with good eye appeal.
Estimated value: 50-75% of MS-60 price
PO-1 to FR-2
Badly worn, possibly damaged. Only for key dates.
G-4 to VG-10
Heavy wear, major details visible but flat.
F-12 to VF-35
Moderate wear, all details clear but not sharp.
XF-40 to XF-45
Light wear on highest points. 90% of details sharp.
AU-50 to AU-58
Trace wear only. Most luster remains.
MS-60 to MS-70
No wear. Perfect strike. Full luster.
About Uncirculated coins show only the slightest trace of wear on the highest points of the design. These coins retain most of their original mint luster and have strong eye appeal.
AU coins typically command 50-75% of the price of uncirculated specimens, making them excellent value for collectors.
Typical Value Range
$$$-$$$
vs. MS-60: ~60-75%
| Grade | Abbreviation | Numeric Value | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor | PO | 1 | Barely identifiable, heavily worn |
| Fair | FR | 2 | Major details visible, very worn |
| About Good | AG | 3 | Smooth edges, details flat |
| Good | G | 4,6 | Major designs visible, rims worn |
| Very Good | VG | 8,10 | Full rims, some detail remaining |
| Fine | F | 12,15 | Clear details, moderate wear |
| Very Fine | VF | 20,25,30,35 | Light wear, sharp details |
| Extremely Fine | XF/EF | 40,45 | Trace wear, high points sharp |
| About Uncirculated | AU | 50,53,55,58 | Faint wear, full luster |
| Mint State | MS | 60-70 | No wear, perfect condition |
Natural daylight or 75-watt incandescent bulb at 45-degree angle reveals wear patterns best.
Use 5x-10x magnifier. Higher magnification can exaggerate minor flaws.
Start with common coins. Compare your grades with certified slabs to improve accuracy.