Coin Grading Guide
For coin collectors, coin grading provides a means to describe and compare coins. Coin grades describe the condition of the coin and include grades such as poor, fair, good, fine, uncirculated and proof coins. The coin grading system serves as a coin collectors guide to the condition of a coin and the relative coins worth in relation to other valuable coins in the same coin collectors classification and coin mintage. Professional coin grading services certify that coins meet the minimum standards to be included within the stated coin grades. At online coin auctions collectors do not usually have the opportunity to physically examine or inspect the coin. Professionally graded coins may oftentimes command a higher coin value than coins that are not certified.
Coin Grades
- Proof
- Proof Coins are collector coins minted and issued particularly for coin collectors. Proof coins are minted with a polished die to give the collector coins a lustrous appearance. Cameo proof coins are yet another type of proof coin minted for collectors and have a frosted visual aspect.
- Uncirculated
- Uncirculated Coins are coins that have not been circulated as currency coin. The highest grades of uncirculated coins will not have blemishes or scratches on the surface. Brilliant uncirculated coins will exhibit no tarnish or oxidation, while average or above average uncirculated coins may have occasional bag marks on the coin surface or edge nicks on the un-circulated coin.
- About Uncirculated
- Coins in About Uncirculated condition may exhibit a moderate amount of wear due to erosion of metal on the high points of the uncirculated coin.
- Extra Fine
- Extra Fine or Extremely Fine Coins are circulated coins that may exhibit sign of wear. The finer details of extra fine coins will remain distinguishable on the higher points of the XF coin’s design.
- Very Fine
- Very Fine Coins may exhibit average wear but the finer features of the coin remain visually clear.
- Fine
- The coin grade Fine Coin tends to be used less in coin grading to avoid confusion with the english language adjective fine meaning something that is in satisfactory condition. With regards to coin collecting, fine coins are more worn than very fine coins and the major details of the coin are still able to be distinquished more so than coins in very good condition.
- Very Good
- Coins in Very Good condition exhibit visable signs of wear and the fine details of the coin design are smoothed.
- Good
- Circulated coins in Good condition are very worn. The major features of the coin design will still be visable but certain areas of the surface will lack clarity or distinctness.
- About Good
- Coins in About Good condition show an even greater degree of wear and certain features of the coin be completely worn off.
- Fair
- Coins in Fair condition are very worn but show enough detail to establish what the coin is and the date of the coin.
- Poor
- Coins in Poor condition are extremely worn but the coin is still identifiable and the date is able to be determined.