The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale is the standard system used to evaluate the condition of coins. Developed by Dr. William Sheldon in 1949, this scale assigns a numerical grade from 1 to 70, with 70 representing a coin in perfect, mint condition. The higher the grade, the better the condition of the coin, and even slight differences in grade can significantly impact a coin's value. Here's a breakdown of the key categories:
- Poor (P-1) - A coin with barely discernible details, heavily worn.
- Fair (FR-2) - A coin with significant wear, but some details are still visible.
- About Good (AG-3) - Heavy wear with all major design elements identifiable.
- Good (G-4 to G-6) - Moderate wear, but most details remain visible.
- Very Good (VG-8 to VG-10) - Light wear with all major design elements clear.
- Fine (F-12 to F-15) - Light to moderate wear, with sharp design details.
- Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-35) - Light wear with sharp, well-defined details.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45) - Very light wear, with sharp details and some luster.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58) - Slight wear on the highest points, otherwise mint condition.
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70) - Coins that have never been circulated, with MS-70 being a perfect coin with full luster and no imperfections.
The scale is widely used by collectors and dealers to assess the quality and value of coins, and certifications from grading services like NGC and PCGS provide an authoritative evaluation of a coin's condition. Understanding this scale is crucial for anyone involved in coin collecting, as it directly affects a coin's market value and desirability.
