What are the different grades for coins?

It established grading tiers of, in descending order of preservation, Mint State, About Uncirculated, Extremely Fine, Very Fine, Fine, Very Good, Good and About Good.

What is the highest quality coin grade?

A Mint State (MS) coin is graded between 60 (with marks) and 70 (flawless/gem-like)—the highest grade a Business Strike coin can achieve.

How can you tell if a coin is ms67?

MS-67. A coin graded MS-67 has original luster and normal strike for date and mint. May have three or four very small contact marks and one more noticeable but not detracting mark. On comparable coins, one or two small single hairlines may show, or one or two minor scuff marks or flaws may be present.

What is a MS 60 grade?

MS60. Unattractive, dull or washed-out, mint luster typify this coin. There may be many large detracting contact marks (bag nicks), or damage spots, but absolutely no trace of wear. There could be a heavy concentration of hairlines (minute scratches to a coin’s surface), or unattractive large areas of scuff-marks.

Can you get coins graded for free?

PCGS Photograde Online is free, and provides detailed close-up photo images for 25 types of 19th and 20th century U.S. coinage issues in up to 12 different grades.

How do I know if my coins are worth grading?

What does MS66 mean in coin value?

No more than one significant mark. MS66: Above average strike. Full mint luster is required for the MS66 level. A mint state 66 graded coin should have above average eye appeal and be considered attractive for the issue.

How do you tell if a coin is circulated or uncirculated?

There are two major factors that indicate a coin is in uncirculated condition:
  1. Mint luster. Coins that have never been in circulation usually exhibit a distinctive sheen or luster. …
  2. No trace of wear. One of the most obvious signs that a coin is uncirculated is the absence of wear or rubbing on the coin’s high points.

What does PR mean in coins?

Proof
Proof (PR) A coin usually struck from a specially prepared coin die on a specially prepared planchet. Proofs are usually given more than one blow from the dies and are usually struck with presses operating at slower speeds and higher striking pressure.

Which is better PCGS or NGC?

PCGS is considered the more esteemed grading service overall. Coins graded by PCGS tend to have a higher resale value. This does not mean that NGC is a bad grading company, it is still one of the top coin graders in the world and people will pay more for an NGC slabbed coin than a non-slabbed coin.

What does aUNC mean in coins?

Almost uncirculated
aUNC – Almost uncirculated. Similar to Uncirculated but will show some minor traces of wear on the high points, the coin still shows a good % of mint lustre. This grade of coin will exhibit a very small amount of wear due to minimal circulation.

What does VF 20 mean in coins?

Very Fine (VF-20)

A coin in “Very Fine” condition should have a full inscription, and all devices will be only moderately worn. It will usually have the most wear on the high points – hairlines, cheekbones, dress folds, and headgear (if present). Major parts of the design are clear, but minor details are weak.

What is pr69 coin grade?

MS/PR-69. Virtually as struck with minuscule imperfections, near full strike necessary. MS/PR-70. Fully struck and lustrous, free of visual marks. The PCGS 70 grading standard does allow for “as minted” defects, as long as those flaws are minor and do not impact the eye appeal of the coin.

What does MS stand for on coins?

Mint State coins
The most common are MS for Mint State coins and PF for Proof issues. MS refers to a coin struck for circulation—or in the same style as a coin struck for circulation. It also means that the coin grades between 60 and 70.

How do you tell if a coin is circulated or uncirculated?

There are two major factors that indicate a coin is in uncirculated condition:
  1. Mint luster. Coins that have never been in circulation usually exhibit a distinctive sheen or luster. …
  2. No trace of wear. One of the most obvious signs that a coin is uncirculated is the absence of wear or rubbing on the coin’s high points.