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Coin grading is not a science but an art that requires a lot of practice. Any person with a fine eye can make an approximate idea on the grade of a coin.
It is important to know how to grade a coin if we want to estimate its value. As an example .. two coins of the same type but in different grades can cost between few cents and few hundred US dollars.
Below there is a list with all grades along with their description, American equivalent and a clear image of that grade.
You can figure out that this piece of metal was once a coin.
Barely recognizable, most surface is flat.
Coin rims are blended into the design. The inscriptions may be completely gone or barely visible. It has just enough details so you can identify the coin.
Inscriptions are readable but not completely.
Most design elements are visible but with highly wear marks.
Medium to heavy wear. Some details may still be visible. The coin frame is intact.
Medium wear. Most details are missing but design elements are completely visible.
Light to medium wear. All general details are visible and clear, only the details like hair may have traces of heavy wear.
Light wear only on the high points of the coin.
Barely visible wear traces on the highest points of the coin.
Absolutely no trace of wear.
Coins grading guide
Written by: Trîmbițaș Sorin.Coin grading is not a science but an art that requires a lot of practice. Any person with a fine eye can make an approximate idea on the grade of a coin.
It is important to know how to grade a coin if we want to estimate its value. As an example .. two coins of the same type but in different grades can cost between few cents and few hundred US dollars.
Below there is a list with all grades along with their description, American equivalent and a clear image of that grade.
Basal (B)
American system : B-0You can figure out that this piece of metal was once a coin.
Poor (P)
American system : PO-1Barely recognizable, most surface is flat.
Fair (FR)
American system : FR-2Coin rims are blended into the design. The inscriptions may be completely gone or barely visible. It has just enough details so you can identify the coin.
About Good (AG)
American system : AG-3Inscriptions are readable but not completely.
Good (G)
American system : G-4Most design elements are visible but with highly wear marks.
Very Good (VG)
American system : VG-8 to VG-11Medium to heavy wear. Some details may still be visible. The coin frame is intact.
Fine (F)
American system : F-12 to F-19Medium wear. Most details are missing but design elements are completely visible.
Very Fine (VF)
American system : VF-20 to VF-39Light to medium wear. All general details are visible and clear, only the details like hair may have traces of heavy wear.
Extremly Fine (XF or EF)
American system : from XF-40 to XF-49Light wear only on the high points of the coin.
Almost Uncirculated (AU)
American system : from AU-50 to AU-59Barely visible wear traces on the highest points of the coin.
Uncirculated (UNC)
American system : from MS-60 to MS-70 (MS = Mint State)Absolutely no trace of wear.
