The 70 Point Coin Grade Scale

The process of coin grading is highly subjective. Even though talent and experience is the key to grading coins accurately on a consistent basis, beginners can come reasonably close to approximating grades with a few simple guidelines. The American Numismatic Association's 0-70 point numeric system is frequently invoked to assign coin grade. The following grades and descriptions are the most recognized milestones on the typical coin grading continuum.

About Good AG-3 Very heavily worn with portions of the lettering, date, and legends being worn smooth. The date is barely readable.

Good G-4 Heavily worn. Major designs visible, but with faintness in areas. Head of Liberty, wreath, or other major features visible in outline form without center detail.

Very Good VG-8 Well worn. Most fine details such as hair strands, leaf details, and so on are worn nearly smooth. The word LIBERTY, if on a shield or headband, is only partially visible.

Fine F-12 Moderate to considerable even wear. Entire design is bold. All lettering, including the word LIBERTY (on 28 coin types with the feature on the shield or headband) visible, with some weaknesses.

Very Fine VF-20 Same as Fine except with only moderate wear on the highest points.

Choice Very Fine VF-30 Has light even wear on the surfaces, design details on the highest points are lightly worn, but with all lettering and major features sharp.

Extremely Fine EF-40 Design is lightly worn throughout, but overall, features are sharp and well defined. A bit of luster may show.

About Uncirculated AU-50 Has a trace of wear on many of the highest areas. At least half the original mint luster is still present.

Choice About Uncirculated AU-55 A coin having less than a trace of wear on only the highest points of the design but no other defects and with most of its luster remaining.

Mint State MS The term Mint State (MS) can be interchanged with Uncirculated (UNC) to describe "new" coins showing no trace of wear. There are 11 grades of MS coins, ranging from MS-60 to MS-70.

Uncirculated MS-60 Has no trace of wear but may show a number of contact marks, and surface may be spotted or lack some luster. A "below average" Uncirculated specimen.

Uncirculated MS-65 An "above average" Uncirculated coin which may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on the surface or rim.

Uncirculated MS-70 Perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The finest quality possible, with no evidence of scratches, handling or contact with other coins, even under 4x magnification. Virtually does not exist.

Proof PR A specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail and usually with brilliant mirror-like surfaces. Proof refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition. There are 11 grades of PR coins, ranging from PR-60 to PR-70.

Proof PR-60 Refers to a proof with some scattered, small contact marks and hairlines that may be visible to the unaided eye. Usually less than full luster.

Proof PR-65 Shows some very fine hairlines, contact marks, or other minor defects, visible only under magnification. Considerable luster.

Proof PR-70 No handling marks or defects, even under high magnification. Full luster. A flawless coin, virtually non-existent.

Modifying Factors After evaluating for wear, other indicators, even more subjective, also contribute towards the coin's overall grade. These include, but are not limited to: natural toning, strength of strike, coloration, blemish location, and "Eye Appeal". Many Modifying Factors are addressed in the Coin Jargon glossary.