MintPricedCoin condition and grading basics
Two coins with the same date and mint mark can be worth very different amounts because of condition. Grading is the language collectors use to describe condition, and it is worth learning even if you never send a coin to a grading service.
The 1–70 scale
US coins are graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70, first used in the late 1940s and now the industry standard. A grade has a two-letter prefix and a number, such as “F-12” or “MS-65”.
- Poor, Fair, About Good, Good (1–6) — heavily worn; the date and main design are visible, details are mostly gone.
- Very Good and Fine (8–15) — clear wear, but major features and some lettering are distinct.
- Very Fine (20–35) — moderate wear on high points, most detail still sharp.
- Extremely Fine (40–45) — complete details with minor wear on the high points.
- About Uncirculated (50–58) — only slight wear on the highest points.
- Mint State (60–70) — no wear from circulation. Grades inside this range depend on marks, strike and luster. NGC defines 70 as no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.
Strike types
MS (Mint State) is used for coins struck like circulation issues. PF or PR (Proof) is a special collector format with mirror-like fields and frosted designs, made with polished dies. A proof is a way of making a coin, not a grade.
How to judge wear yourself
- Find the high points of the design — cheekbone, hair above the ear, the top of a building or the eagle’s breast. Wear shows there first.
- Tilt the coin under a single light. Worn areas look flat and dull; unworn areas still show luster that “rolls” as you tilt.
- Compare with photos of graded coins of the same series.
- Look separately for damage: scratches, rim dings, holes, corrosion and signs of cleaning. Many grading services do not give a numeric grade to problem coins and use a “details” description instead.
Circulated vs uncirculated
Circulated coins (below 60) show wear. Uncirculated coins (60 and up) have none, though they can have bag marks from handling at the mint. MintPriced shows separate estimated ranges for these two when it has data — it does not assign a numeric grade.
When to ask a professional
Grading is partly subjective and exact grades are an expert judgment. For a coin you plan to sell, insure or buy at a high price, use a reputable dealer or a third-party grading service such as PCGS or NGC. Read what makes a coin valuable to see how grade fits with rarity and demand.
Sources and further reading
Related question in the coin FAQ: What does a grade like MS-65 mean?
General information, not financial or appraisal advice. Values depend on condition and the buyer; ask a qualified dealer or grading service before buying or selling.