Uncirculated Rare
The Coin Grading System
The Coin Grading System
by Robert L Taylor, JD
Coin grading is a term used to refer to the process of determining the condition or quality of a coin, and its full identity. 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. 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 basic point scales that define coin grades, are as follows:
1. Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70)
Mint state uncirculated coin in perfect condition, showing no traces of wear, and no blemishes, scratches, handling or contact with other coins. The best quality coin possible.
2. Choice (Gem) Uncirculated (MS-65-69)
An above average uncirculated coin which retains all of the original mint brilliance or luster, and has a very few contact marks on the surface or rim, which are barely noticeable.
3. Brilliant Uncirculated or BU (MS-60-64)
An uncirculated coin having no traces of wear but which has a few contact marks, surface spotting or lacks some of its original luster.
4. Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55 & 58)
A coin having very light wear on only the highest points of the design but no other defects and with most of its luster remaining.
5. About Uncirculated (AU-50)
Coin has evidence of light wear on many of the high points but at least half of the mint luster is still present.
6. Extremely Fine (EF-40)
The coin design is lightly worn in most places but all the features remain sharp and well defined.
7. Choice Very Fine (VF-30)
Light even wear on the surface and highest parts of the design but most major features and the lettering are sharp.
8. Very Fine (VF-20)
Minor features such as some of the finer hair detail, feathers, etc. will be moderately worn. Shows moderate wear on high points of design. All major details are clear.
9. Fine (F-12)
Moderate to considerable even wear over most features and the lettering. A lot of the details are worn through but you can still see a good deal of the design. 10. Very Good (VG-8)
The entire design is weak, but a few details are visible. Well worn throughout but coin rims still visible.
11. Good (G-4)
Heavily worn but design and legend still visible although quite weak in spots. Many details are gone.
12. About Good (AG-3)
Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date and legends worn smooth and barely discernable.
Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins!
Robert L Taylor, JD
Copyright 2006 Robert L Taylor, JD
About the Author
Robert Taylor is a 59 year old retired Lawyer, from Denver, CO, who spent most of his career representing people who could not afford an attorney, and who has had a passion for collecting US coins, particularly Morgan Dollars, since the age of 6. Wanting to share his Passion, he created http://www.ThePerfect-Coin.Com which features US Rare and Modern Dollars (from 1878) and Coins (from 1960 to 2000), all Certified and Graded by NGC or PCGS.
For Beginning Coin Collectors, he then created http://www.Beginning-Coin-Collecting.Com which features US Modern Coins, from 1960 to 2000, that are high quality BU, Certified and Slabbed Coins that are all priced less than $10 per coin.
THE RAMONES LIVE IN PORTUGAL 1980 UNCIRCULATED RARE VIDEO
|
|
World Coin Grab Bag – 50 Assorted Coins $2.99 Great collection of FIFTY coins from across the world, hand-selected for nicer conditions and diverse variety. A nice starter set for collecting world coins, yourself – or an awesome gift idea for anyone on your shopping list! Comes in a velveteen gift pouch…. |
|
|
2010 D Mint Sacagawea Native American Golden Dollar Uncirculated Coin $0.01 New, Uncirculated 2010 D Sacagawea Native American Dollar Coin. You will receive one uncirculated dollar from Denver Mint. This coin is brilliant and uncirculated. It is mounted in a 2X2 cardboard mylar holder. Not proof coin. Uncirculated coins may vary to some degree because of blemishes, toning or slight imperfections.Bonus: If you make more than one purchase in the same order you will receive … |
|
|
1921 Morgan Silver Dollar $34.80 1921 Morgan Dollar. Philadelphia Mint. Last issue of this design…. |
|
|
12 WE BUY COINS VERTICAL DECAL sticker silver gold sell rare cash bullion diamonds $9.99 This 4.5″ x 12″ decal is printed on premium grade exterior vinyl perfect for outdoor use for 5+ years or will look great inside. All decals are supplied with application film for easy installation. These will stick to any smooth surface – aluminum, glass, stainless steel, wood or plexiglas. All sizes are approx. You can’t go wrong with a SignMission decal!… |
|
|
24 WE BUY COINS VERTICAL DECAL sticker silver gold sell rare cash bullion diamonds $14.99 This 9″ x 24″ decal is printed on premium grade exterior vinyl perfect for outdoor use for 5+ years or will look great inside. All decals are supplied with application film for easy installation. These will stick to any smooth surface – aluminum, glass, stainless steel, wood or plexiglas. All sizes are approx. You can’t go wrong with a SignMission decal!… |
|
|
2009 D Lincoln Formative Years Penny Roll SECOND DESIGN $3.50 D Mint UNC Roll! Ready to ship, fast delivery!!… |
|
|
Evan Longoria / Matt LaPorta / Billy Butler Triple Signatures Silver Rookie Autograph Card 2007 Just #/25 Signed RARE Uncirculated & Beckett Encapsulated Tampa Bay Rays / Cleveland Indians / Kansas City Royals Evan Longoria / Matt LaPorta / Billy Butler Triple Signatures Silver Rookie Autograph Card 2007 Just #/25 RARE Tampa Bay Rays / Cleveland Indians / Kansas City Royals… |
|
|
Alfonso Soriano Autograph 2000 Just Stuff Baseball Uncirculated Case Topper Card #NNO & #54/100 Signed Graded USA 9.5 Mint+ Norwich Navigators / Chicago Cubs Alfonso Soriano Autograph 2000 Just Stuff Baseball Uncirculated Case Topper Card #NNO & #54/100 Signed Graded USA 9.5 Mint+ Norwich Navigators / Chicago Cubs… |
|
|
GYPSY WITCH SPELL BOOK: Ritualistic Secrets Of Sorcery, Shamanism, Witchcraft, Magick And Fortune Telling $24.00 A RARE — CENTURIES OLD — COLLECTION OF CUSTOMS, USAGES AND CEREMONIES OF GYPSY CLANS IN MATTERS OF WITCHCRAFT, LOVE POTIONS, SPELL CASTING AND FORTUNE TELLING Many believe the gypsies to be a mysterious race who possess supernatural powers. There has even been speculation that the various clans originated from outer space and migrated here from beyond the stars eons ago, trying to mix in (unsuc… |
|
|
Official Overstreet Indian Arrowheads Identification and Price Guide Tenth Edition (Gemstone Edition, Uncirculated) (Official Gemstone/House of Collectibles Edition, Rare Gemstone Tenth Edition!) $165.00 Excellent Condition, Brand New Uncirculated Copies…. |