Related Articles
Coin grading is a system used to describe the condition of a coin. It involves an assessment of the coin’s appearance, including factors such as wear, damage, and overall condition. Grading is done on a scale, typically from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better condition. However, different grading systems may use different scales or grading criteria.
The most commonly used grading abbreviations are based on the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, which was developed by Dr. William Sheldon in 1949. This scale assigns grades based on a coin’s wear, with grades ranging from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70). Here are some of the most common Sheldon-based grading abbreviations:
- P – Poor: A coin with almost no details visible, due to heavy wear or damage.
- FR – Fair: A coin with some visible details, but heavily worn or damaged.
- AG – About Good: A coin with only the basic details visible, due to heavy wear.
- G – Good: A coin with most major details visible, but with significant wear.
- VG – Very Good: A coin with most major details visible, but with moderate wear.
- F – Fine: A coin with most major details visible, but with some flattening of the design due to wear.
- VF – Very Fine: A coin with all major details visible, but with some wear and flattening of the design.
- EF or XF – Extremely Fine: A coin with all major details visible, with only minimal wear and full mint luster.
- AU – About Uncirculated: A coin that has only slight wear on the high points of the design, with full mint luster.
- MS – Mint State: A coin that has no visible wear, with full mint luster and no noticeable flaws.
In addition to these abbreviations, some grading systems use additional abbreviations to indicate specific aspects of a coin’s condition, such as toning (T) or proof-like surfaces (PL).
It’s important to note that coin grading is subjective and can vary between different graders or grading companies. Graders may use different criteria to assess a coin’s condition, leading to different grades or interpretations of the same coin. As such, it’s important to be aware of the grading system and criteria used by the grading company or individual you’re working with.
