Coin Grading

Coin grading is the process used to determine the condition and value of a particular coin. The higher the grade, the higher the value.

Most of the time, coins are graded on a scale that ranges from 0-70. This scale was developed many years past by a man named Dr. William Shelby. The numerical grade is combined with a letter code to create a grade. For example:

MS -- MS stands for Mint State. This means the coin is perfect and uncirculated. The MS grade runs from MS-60 to MS-70, depending on the condition. You will probably never see an MS-70 coin. The chances of even getting a MS-68 are extraordinarily rare. Most MS grade coins are around MS-65.

AU -- AU stands for Almost Uncirculated. This means they have very light traces of wear. This grade comes in AU-50, AU-55 and AU-58. It can be quite hard for a novice to determine a coin is AU. If you're unsure, look for wear on the highest part of the coin.

EF -- EF means Extremely Fine. This is a step below AU, and has slightly more wear. EF comes in the grades EF-40 and EF-45. EF is also sometimes referred to by XF.

VF -- VF stands for Very Fine. This is still a beautiful coin, with light wear and sharp features. These coins come in VF-20, VF-25, VF-30 and VF-35.

F -- F of course means Fine. A Fine coin comes in the grade F-12. On a fine coin, you can see all the features yet the minor details may be worn. An example would be a circulated nickel or quarter from the 1970's.

VG -- Very Good, or VG-8 on Sheldon's scale. The entire coin is showing wear, but the rims are completely visible.

G -- G stands for Good. These coins are more worn than VG coins, but the mint mark and date are still completely visible.

AG -- AG means Almost Good. This is a coin showing major wear. You can often see a partial date on these coins.

Fair -- Fair coins are extremely worn and could even display holes or bending. You may or may not be able to make out features or dates.

Basal State -- This is the grade for a coin that's barely distinguishable as a coin. Basal State coins are basically worthless.

To find out more about grading coins, speak to a coin expert in your area or consult a coin collector's book.