Descriptions under the photos are from the
ANA grading standards; Photos are from the PCGS website.
"MS70 = A flawless coin exactly as minted, with no trace of wear or injury. Must have full mint luster, and brilliance.
MS67 = Virtually flawless, but with minor imperfections.
MS65 = No trace of wear. Nearly as perfect as MS67 except for some small weakness or blemish. Has full mint luster, but may be unevenly toned, or lightly fingermarked. A few minor nicks or marks may be present.
MS63 = A Mint state coin with attractive mint luster, but noticeable detracting contact marks or minor blemishes.
MS60 = A strictly uncirculated coin with no trace of wear, but with blemishes more obvious than for MS63. May lack full mint luster, and surface may be dull or spotted.
AU58 = Has some sign of abrasions; cheekbone and high points of hair, collar, triangular roof above pillars. Shallow or weak spots in the relief, particularly in the steps below the pillars, are usually caused by improper striking (and not wear).
AU55 = OBVERSE: Only a trace of wear shows on the cheekbone.
REVERSE: A trace of wear shows on the beam above pillars.
SURFACE: Most of the mint luster is still present.
AU50 = OBVERSE: Traces of wear show on cheekbone and high points
of hair.
REVERSE: Traces of wear show on the beam and triangular
roof above pillars.
SURFACE: About half of the mint luster is still present.
EF45 = OBVERSE: Slight wear shows on cheekbone and central portion
of hair. There is a trace of wear at bottom of the
bust.
REVERSE: High point of the triangular roof and beam are
lightly worn.
SURFACE: Traces of mint luster still shows.
EF40 = OBVERSE: Hair is lightly worn but well defined and bold.
Slight wear shows on cheekbone and bottom of bust.
High points of hair are worn but show all details.
REVERSE: Triangular roof and beam are worn but all details
are visible."
Grading is a matter of opinion. And in my opinion it is better to undergrade a coin than to overgrade.
Posted 03/30/2011 6:24 pm
