English العربية Русский
+971505826258
Main page
Articles
A Concise Guide to Coin Grading Scales

A Concise Guide to Coin Grading Scales

Understanding coin grading is essential for collectors and investors. It determines a coin's condition and, consequently, its value. The two primary systems used today are the Sheldon Scale and a simplified Adjectival Scale.

The Two Main Grading Systems

  1. The Sheldon Scale: A 70-point numerical scale where a grade of 1 represents a coin in the poorest identifiable condition, and 70 represents a flawless, perfect coin. This is the professional standard.
  2. The Adjectival Scale: A descriptive system using terms like "Uncirculated" or "Fine." These terms often correspond to specific ranges on the Sheldon Scale.

The Adjectival Scale: From Perfect to Poor

Here is a breakdown of the main adjectival grades and their Sheldon Scale equivalents.

Uncirculated (UNC) / Mint State (MS)

  • Sheldon Scale: MS-60 to MS-70
  • Description: A coin that never entered general circulation. It retains its original mint luster and has no wear. Minor contact marks from production and handling are expected. Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) is an older term often used for coins at the higher end of this range.

About Uncirculated (AU)

  • Sheldon Scale: AU-50, AU-53, AU-55, AU-58
  • Description: Shows trace wear only on the highest points of the design. Most of the original luster remains.

Extremely Fine (XF or EF)

  • Sheldon Scale: XF/EF-40, XF/EF-45
  • Description: Light wear on the highest design elements, but all major features remain sharp. 90-95% of the original detail is visible.

Very Fine (VF)

  • Sheldon Scale: VF-20, VF-25, VF-30, VF-35
  • Description: Moderate, even wear on the surface and higher design elements. All lettering and major features are clear, with finer details worn but distinct. About 75% of detail remains.

Fine (F)

  • Sheldon Scale: F-12, F-15
  • Description: Moderate to considerable even wear. The entire design is visible but flattened, with worn finer details. Rims are fully separated from the field.

Very Good (VG)

  • Sheldon Scale: VG-8, VG-10
  • Description: Well worn. The main outlines of the design are clear, but finer details are heavily worn away. Only about 25% of the original detail is visible.

Good (G)

  • Sheldon Scale: G-4, G-6
  • Description: Heavily worn. The design, date, and legends are visible but faint and smoothed.

Lower Grades

  • About Good (AG-3): Very heavily worn, with the date barely legible.
  • Fair (FA-2): Very harshly worn with significant damage.
  • Poor (PR-1): Identifiable by type only and otherwise severely damaged.

 

×