Coin Grading Guide |
If you are interested
in collecting coins then you need to know some of the terminology
of coin collecting. One of the most important aspects when
deciding which coin to buy is the actual condition of the
coin itself. There is a system in place for determining the
condition of your coins or any coin for that matter and along
with this coin grading system are terms that relate to the
condition of the coin. This system was developed by the ANA
or American Numismatic Association.
First let me give you a couple of tips. If you have come
across an old coin metal
detecting or at a garage sale and you are not sure how
much it is worth. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN IT! I
can't stress this enough. Older coins will have more value
if left in the condition that they were found. Do not clean
them! It could possibly make a coin that is worth thousands
of dollars amount to nothing. My second tip is to not handle
any coins with your bare fingers. The oils in your skin, over
time can cause the coins to discolor, thus lessening their
value.
If you are serious about your coins and they are not graded
by a professional, then you might want to look into having
your coins graded by a professional coin grading service such
as PCGS.com
and NG Coins.
Both of these companies offer excellent coin grading services.
You could look at it as getting your coin appraised. After
the coin is graded, you will get it back in a nice airtight
case. This helps to keep the coin in it's current condition.
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When trying to determine
your coin's condition, be honest and use the following conditions
as your guideline. Proof or
Proof-70 : A proof coin is a coin that is made specially
for display. They are not in circulation. In other words you
won't find them in any pocket change. Remember that the term
Proof actually refers to the way the coin was made not the
actual condition. The surface of proof coins is often mirror
like and has an extremely high luster.
There are different kinds of proof coins. There are frosted
proofs, matte proofs and brilliant proofs. Each kind reflecting
it's name.
Proof coins are also made quite differently than coins that
are in circulation. The dies used for making proof coins are
hand selected and polished to produce such perfect coins.
Each blank coin is polished prior to being struck and they
are each struck several times to bring out such great details.The
dies are frequently cleaned and inspected for damage before
the next set of coins is struck. Each proof coin is then handled
by gloves or tongs before being placed in their sealed Cases. |
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| Notice the ultra
high gloss, high ridges and ribbed sides on this proof quarter. |
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| Gem Proof
or PF-65 : This is a proof coin that has a
brilliant surface. It may have a few wide spread hairlines or
marks. Slightly less in value than a PF-70. |
| Choice Proof
or PF-63 : This is a proof coin with no major
flaws but it might have a few small hairlines or marks and its
surface is not quite as brilliant. Slightly less in value than
a PF-65. |
| Proof
or PF-60 : This is a proof coin where the brilliant
mirror like surface has lost it's luster. You may also notice
marks and hairlines on the coin. Slightly less in value than
a PF-63. |
| Mint State
or MS or Uncirculated or UN
: All of these coin terms are the same and vary depending
on who you speak with. There are several subsections to mint
coins and they are as follows. |
| Perfect Uncirculated
or MS-70 : This is a coin that is in perfect
condition. It will show no trace or wear or any imperfections.
This is the condition that we all want our coins to be in but
unfortunately very few coins are ever found in this condition. |
| Gem Uncirculated
or MS-65 : This coin will have very few marks
or blemishes. It also might have a mirror like surface. Having
a rare coin in this condition will fetch top dollar at any coin
auction. |
| Choice Uncirculated
or MS-63 : This coin's surface might not be
as brilliant and will lack some luster. It will also have some
small marks or blemishes. Odds of getting a coin in this condition
are very good. |
| Uncirculated
or MS-60 : This coin's surface will lack some
luster and you will notice more contact marks but still has
no trace of wear. Keep your coins in protective case in order
to keep and MS-60 rating. |
| Choice About
Uncirculated or AU-55 : This coin
will still hold some surface luster but will show marks on some
of the higher parts of the coin. |
| About Uncirculated
or AU-50 : This coin will still show some luster
and will have some light wear. |
| Choice Extremely
Fine or EF-45 : This coin will still
show a small amount of luster on the surface but it will show
light overall wear on all of the high points. Coins in this
condition will still fetch top dollar at many coin auctions. |
| Extremely Fine
or EF-40 : This coin will might still show
faint traces of luster. It will also show light wear throughout
all areas of the coin. |
| Choice Very Fine
or VF-30 : This coin will no longer show any
luster and the surface will have light even wear. Coins in this
condition are easily found at auctions or coin dealers. |
| Very Fine
or VF-20 : This coin will show moderate wear
on all high points of the coin. It will lack any luster. Keep
your coins in protective cases! |
| Fine
or F-12 : This coin will have a good amount
of wear on the surface and any high points. It can still fetch
quite a bit of money if the coin is rare. |
| Very Good
or VG-8 : This coin would be worn pretty well.
It features would still be clear. You will find quite a few
coins in this condition just about anywhere. |
| Good
or G-4 : You will find many coins in this condition.
They will exhibit quite a bit of wear and are heavily worn.
The design is visible but lacks detail. |
| About Good or
AG-3 : This coin is very worn and certain aspects
of this coin may be missing. Some of the design and lettering
might be gone. Don't let this discourage you. If an AG-3 coin
is rare, it can still be worth more than you might think. |
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| These are guidelines
that have been adopted and used throughout the coin collecting
community for quite some time. If you really need your coin
graded, then have it graded by a professional. |
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